Michu on missing the Liberty, happy memories... and maybe one day returning as boss
MIGUEL Perez Cuesta looked out across the playing surface he once graced so spectacularly and you could almost feel the memories come flooding back.
The Spaniard – of course, better known as Michu – was back at the Liberty Stadium for the first time since he left Swansea City in the summer of 2014 to join Napoli on loan.
Shortly before kick-off against Chelsea on Saturday he was again presented to the Jack Army and he received a rapturous reception from all corners of the ground.
It was the sort of noise that used to accompany his goals, some of which count among the most memorable in the club’s 106-year history.
Think of his wonderful late brace at the Emirates in 2012, his coollytaken opener in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea, his subtle finish in the final against Bradford and his clinical goal in the stunning victory over Valencia at the Mestalla on that balmy autumn evening in 2013.
Signed for just £2.2million from Rayo Vallecano, his impact in south Wales had their Premier League rivals looking on in admiration, whilst asking searching questions of their recruitment teams as to how they had failed to spot Michu.
They are great moments and memories, all the more so for how fleeting they proved to be.
Those were the days before injuries took their toll, with the ankle problems that first reared their head at the start of the 2013-14 season eventually bringing an end to the forward’s career in July 2017.
But every Swansea fan will always remember the swagger, the innate understanding of where to be to apply the finishing touch, the understated way in which he made challenging finishes look effortless, and that celebration, copied by kids from the Mumbles to Manselton.
“It is great to be back, I have so many wonderful memories of playing for Swansea, especially here at the Liberty Stadium,” says Michu, sporting a big smile as he regularly greeted by fans, staff and former team-mates.
“It is a massive day, I have followed Swansea since I left. I always look for the scores and I think they will stay in the Premier League, 100 per cent.
“It will be hard and tough, but I am still in touch with some of the players like Leon Britton, he’s a good guy, Angel Rangel and Wayne Routledge. I miss them and I wish them the best.
“I never forget how I feel with my time here and some of those goals. Chelsea in the cup, the goals at Arsenal away. We played such good football when I was here.
“It was such a special time in my life, and in my career. I loved it here, I love being here now.
“It was the best form I had in my career, it helped me to play for my country, something which I will always have to be proud of.
“The best moments, and the happiest moments, were in this city, in this stadium and with these fans and I can only say thank you to everyone.
“I arrived here the day before the game and everything feels familiar to me. I have to say I really miss it.”
Although there is a sadness at being a former footballer at the age of just 32 – after spells with Napoli, Langreo and Oviedo – Michu has already taken strides to keep himself involved in the game.
His brother Hernan is involved in coaching, and Michu has been working through his coaching badges in his homeland as he plots his next move.
And he readily admits he would one day love to be stood in the dugout in charge of his former team.
“I am finishing off my studies to be a coach in Spain, it is the same as in the rest of the Europe, there are the three levels to work through and I am working towards the last one,” he says.
“When I have done that we will see.
“I had already done the other two levels because I had been studying during my career because I knew I wanted to be a coach, and I have been doing a masters in sports direction with the Spanish federation.
“It would be lovely to coach Swansea City one day, I hope so. The Premier League is the best league in the world, it has the best players and coaches and I want to be one of them even if it will be difficult.”