Antonio de Nigris

Antonio de Nigris Guajardo (Spanish pronunciation: [anˈtonjo ðe ˈniɣɾis]; 1 April 1978 – 16 November 2009) was a Mexican footballer who played as a striker.

During his career, which was cut short at 31 by a fatal heart attack, he played in six different countries, also representing twelve clubs in nine years.

Club career

Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, de Nigris became interested in sports at a young age, and began his football career with C.F. Monterrey. He then played for two seasons in Spain (first and second divisions), with little impact at Villarreal CF and modest Polideportivo Ejido, returning to Americas with Once Caldas, with whom, in the 2004 Intercontinental Cup, he scored in the penalty shootout defeat against F.C. Porto.

After another stint in Mexico, de Nigris was signed by Santos Futebol Clube of Brazil on 20 March 2006, making his debut against Brasiliense Futebol Clube in a Brazilian Cup match. However, in late 2006, he switched to Turkey, playing in quick succession for three teams in the country: Gaziantepspor, Ankaraspor and Ankaragücü. He was released from the latter due to heart problems, and his license was cancelled by the Turkish Football Federation.