Stefano Eranio brought style to Derby County, on and off the field, when he joined them at the end of his contract with Milan.

Eranio played in Italy for 13 seasons but not in Serie a until 1989, when his first club, Genoia, won promotion.

He made his debut for them as a teenager in 1984 and adapted to the top division so well that reigning champions Milan signed him in 1992.

He was involved in three titles during his five seasons and twice went on as a substitute in European Cup final defeats.

On the first occasion, when Olympique Marseille won in 1993, Eranio took over from Marco Van Basten, whom he rates as the best player he ever saw.

"Van Basten was from another planet," he said.

Eranio won 20 caps for Italy but injury kept him out of the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States.

His arrival in Derby coincided with the opening of Pride Park and was a great coup by Jim Smith.

Whether playing as a wing-back or in midfield, Eranio was a joy to watch, with his instant control, passes which made it easy for the receiver and ability to score goals.

He had a setback in November 1999, a broken leg as a result of a tackle from behind by Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia at Anfield, but came back strongly.

Eranio planned to retire at the end of 2000/01 and was given an emotional farewell by a full house at Pride Park.

He returned before the following season as a favour to Smith but an injury kept him out of the side.

When Smith lost his job, Eranio was close to fitness but promptly left the club, so distressed he was by the decision.

Appearances: 108 (ten goals).

Taken from Derby County: The Complete Record, by Breedon Books/Gerald Mortimer.