. . . goal machine to keep silencing opposition
It’s quite possibly the most commonly asked question at Swansea City right now – what is Michu’s goal celebration about?
The Spaniard’s trademark celebration is out in force on park pitches across the land with young footballers perfecting “The Michu” each time they score by holding their hand to their ear.
With four goals in three games, the celebration has been widely seen as the 26-year-old has grabbed the attention in the early stages of the Barclays Premier League season.
And now the popular midfielder explains just what the story is behind his celebration.
“It is from my days in Spain,” Michu says with a wry smile. “When I was at Celta Vigo in the second division, we played Gorka Pintado’s old club Granada and I missed a penalty.
“Granada went up that season to the top league, and then I moved to Rayo Vallecano who were also in the top division.
“In the warm up to that game I could hear the Granada fans shouting ‘Hey Michu, please take a penalty today’.
“But the game finished 1-0 in our favour and I scored the only goal. So when I scored, I just put my hand to my ear and listened to the Granada support, but they were quiet. It was just a bit of harmless fun with the Granada fans.
“Of course, now I am at Swansea, but I still like to do the celebration because it reminds me of my journey here.”
A hugely popular figure already at the club, Michu has been described by former England boss Glenn Hoddle as the best purchase of the transfer window.
The £2million fee paid to Rayo for his services has proved a huge bargain, with Michu scoring twice on his debut in the opening-day 5-0 win at QPR while also finding the net against West Ham and Sunderland.
But he’s not forgotten the part Rayo played in helping springboard his career. Having hit 15 La Liga goals last term, he regularly keeps an eye out for his former employers.
“Rayo did a lot for my career and I won’t forget that,” said Michu. “It’s a family club, just like Swansea. Everyone is very friendly and close.
“I always look out for Rayo’s results. They have started very well in La Liga – they are on seven points, just like us, and I hope we can both enjoy very successful seasons.”
While Michu has been teaching lessons in finishing on the pitch, he’s also being taught lessons off it.
Despite holding some interviews in English, he’s looking to brush up on the language as he aims to communicate better with his team-mates, fans and media.
He added: “I need Angel’s help for most interviews, but I hope within two months I can communicate a lot better and without a translator.
“I’m currently having two-hour English lessons three times a week, but my girlfriend can speak perfect English, so that helps.
“But I know if I speak better English then I can communicate better with my team-mates, and that will help us on the pitch.”