Miguel Pérez Cuesta, known as Michu made what some would say a pretty big impression on the Swansea City public when he appeared in Michael Laudrup’s successful side that won a league cup ( major trophy) - and frightened the boots off all they came across in Europe as the swans became hot news across the globe. His passionate and enormous character infected all that came across him, and for one brief moment he was one of the hottest properties in Europe.

He started playing for Real Oviedo, subsequently representing Celta and Rayo Vallecano, making his La Liga debut with the latter in 2011—12. In 2012 he signed with Swansea City, scoring 22 goals across all competitions in his first season and winning the League Cup. He struck fear in to every defence he played against, Europe wide. Despite performances which earned him an international debut for Spain in 2013, Michu fell out of favour at Swansea and was released in November 2015. When you think he was in the twenty million bracket at the end of his first swans season his loss of form and injuries were a real heartbreaker for swans fans. The demise of Michu was always speculated over, and still is today. However, what he brought to the swans was pure gold, and for me he was the finest player I have ever seen in a swans shirt.

Scoring 28 goals in 67 games for the swans it was a shock when his form slumped and injuries took over. Being a passionate native of Principado de Asturias in the north of Spain his first love was Oviedo. So, for Swansea City to earn his love as well tells us all how he feels about the people of Swansea and it’s followers worldwide.

Immediately after leaving Swansea, Michu joined Asturian amateurs UP Langreo. On 19 August 2016 he returned to his first club Oviedo, signing a one-year deal. Michu officially announced his retirement from professional football on 25 July 2017, at the age of 31, most certainly in his prime. The previous week, he commented that he would like to stay connected with football. On 3 June 2018, Michu was appointed as director of football of Langreo, where his brother acted as head coach.He left the position on 3 April 2019, to become the technical secretary of Oviedo.

But it’s the character that was Michu the fans at Swansea loved, he was simply adored. Elements of that character shone through In November 2012, along with fellow Premier League stars Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata, Michu bought shares in former club Oviedo as they struggled to raise €2 million to stay afloat in the Spanish third division. He spoke to the official Swansea website about his love for his former club and the decision saying, "It's my local club, a club I love, so I hope it will be enough."

I had the pleasure of seeing Michu for one last time against Cadiz in a lacklustre performance, but after the game we spoke when he spotted our Swansea City flag in the ground. As amiable as you would have expected he looked fondly back on his time at Swansea. ‘ I loved the swans, those fans drew you in to them. Their noise and passion was just what I needed to inspire me. To make them Wales best football team and win this trophy for entry to Europe was a great achievement’

On 6 October 2013, Michu was finally called up to the national team by manager Bosque as a replacement for the injured David Villa. He made his debut five days later, starting in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Belarus in Palma, Majorca (2—1 win).

Michu playing for Spain

Football writer : George Dagless
The Spanish forward delighted during his spell at Swansea, excelling particularly in his first year — the 2012/13 campaign. He’d help the Swans win the League Cup and soon got a big move to Napoli, though it never really worked. In the time since, he played for Langreo and Oviedo — the side he is most synonymous with — but retired in his early 30s thanks to injury problems. He remains at Oviedo, though, where he is a technical secretary with his career rather going full circle as that is where it all started when he was a kid coming through. A real favourite at thr Liberty Stadium, that 12/13 season in particular will always be fondly remembered and now, as he works off of the field, who knows if we might one day see him return to these shores.

Football writer : Annan Riaz
Premier League cult hero Michu has insisted that it is an "honour" to see Erling Haaland use his famous goalscoring celebration. Haaland, 20, has emerged as one of Europe's top wonderkids after a phenomenal season with Borussia Dortmund and RB Salzburg. And the Dortmund striker is a huge admirer of Michu and would frequently show his affection to the Swansea City legend on social media when he was younger. Haaland took it one step further during Norway's 5-1 demolition of Northern Ireland in the Nations League. The Norway international scored a brace in the match and copied Michu's old celebration by cupping his hand around his ear as he paid a fitting tribute to his hero.

What are your personal memories of Michu, leave them in the comments below, we assure you he will read this article. They wore the shirt will be a regular feature on Swansea Independent in the coming months.

Photo: Action Images

KeithHaynes added 13:31 - Nov 6 Add your memories here ⚽️
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