Holland may not have lived up to expectations at Euro 2012, but at least Michel Vorm left with glowing references.
The Dutch exited the championships in the group stage - finishing bottom of their group in Poland and Ukraine – in what proved a major surprise.
The pain of that setback was cushioned somewhat for Vorm, who left the Euros with praise still ringing in his ears for performances on the domestic level with the Swans in the Premier League.
“Everybody asked how good it was to work and play for Swansea,” beamed the Dutch No. 2. “Obviously there are a few Dutch players who are in the Premier League, and they were pleased and surprised with the way we played.
“We won a lot of respect. I had a lot of good things said about the way I played, but it was more about the way the team played, which is the important thing.”
The Swans support has certainly grown around the globe following last season’s exploits.
And there’s another addition to the Jack Army with another arrival in the Vorm household after Michel’s partner Daisy gave birth to son Levi.
“I missed the birth of our first son Jaivy as I was in South Africa with Holland during the World Cup, so I didn’t want to miss out the second time,” added Vorm.
“I was asleep in Swansea when Daisy called me and I got a plane straight away back t Holland.
“Everything went very well. The baby is fine and Daisy is too.”
A proud father for the second time, Vorm is now preparing for a second season in the Premier League.
Vorm claimed a clean sweep of awards at the club’s annual end-of-season function, for what was an eye-catching campaign from the Penalty Killer.
With manager Michael Laudrup now in charge, Vorm believes a solid start could be the key to another successful season.
“If you start badly then it could be very tough,” he added. “But we almost have the same squad as last season, and even better now I think as we have some new players.
“If we progress under Michael Laudrup then I don’t see why it will be any tougher than last season.”
The hard work is already underway with the Swans currently out in Santa Barbra on their American tour.
Vorm missed the opening Tour match as the Swans went down 2-1 to Colorado Rapids in Colorado, with Laudrup opting to give him a rest following his Euro commitments.
And the keeper believes the Stateside tour could be key to the good start he is looking for.
“It’s very nice here,” he says with a smile. “The training facilities have been very good – the hotels too.
“We have everything that a good training camp needs, so we are looking forward to the rest of the Tour.”
The full interview with Michel can now be seen on Swans Player
HERE.
We are bringing you exclusive videos from the club’s bases throughout the tour, so sign up today and benefit from the Swans Player experience.
You can also follow the club throughout the American Tour on Twitter via @SwansOfficial