In January 2008 a little known Argentinian striker made the trip from Chilean side AudaxItaliano over to England when he signed as a 19 year old for Chelsea.
Two and a half years later he found his new home at Wigan Athletic, where he was welcomed with open arms by the fans becoming a fan favourite for his work-rate and none-stop positivity.
It wasn’t easy at first for the striker who made his debut in October 2010 in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at the DW Stadium, as he only scored his first goal in April of the following year coincidentally against the same team he made his debut against.
It is fair to say that Di Santo enjoys a game against Sunderland because in the 2011/2012 season he earned Latics a vital three points at the Stadium of Light when he scored in the last minute of stoppage time as his side won 2-1.
That goal was one of seven goals in the season, his best return since coming to England.
The striker scored goals against Everton, Arsenal and twice against Queens Park Rangers but the he saved the best till last with his final goal of the season coming in the form of a 25-yard lob over Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul to put Latics 4-0 at home.
Di Santo’s experience in English football prior to joining Latics wasn’t as thorough as the time he’s had at the DW as he had limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge but, did manage to play in the Champions League for the club when he came on as a substitute in a group stage game against CFR Cluj.
In 2009 and in a bid to get more regular football, Di Santo joined Blackburn Rovers on loan for the 09/10 season which resulted in him scoring one goal in 23 league appearance.
It isn’t a prolific record but the goal he did score earned him the fans’ respect at Ewood Park as it came against their bitter rivals Burnley in a 3-2 win in October 2009.
Latics number nine is capped at international level with his country of birth Argentina at under 20 level and scored five goals in 25 games over a three year spell between 2006 and 2009.