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Swansea City hero Michu has opened up on his years with Swansea City, stating he still owes the club something after his time with them came to a sorry end.

The Spaniard arrived in South Wales in the summer of 2012 and hit the ground running, scoring goals for fun for the Liberty outfit, leading Swansea to the Capital One Cup final victory and famous wins over Premier League big-hitters in his debut campaign.

His second season wouldn't go to plan, however, and a serious ankle injury eventually curtailed his Swansea stay - and indeed his career.

In an extensive interview with Mundu Esferico, Michu reveals why he moved to Swansea from Rayo Vallecano.

He said: "It was good business for both Rayo and me. In the end I was going to work there with a figure in the world of football like Michael Laudrup, then ... (laughs). It is an opportunity that you can not refuse. The Lightning took with the transfer a good sum of money and it was a great move for all."

The striker would score twice on his debut against QPR and hit 22 goals in all competitions, with manager Michael Laurdup valuing him at £30million, such were his achievements.

What was the key to his success in Landore?

"The same confidence that I had in Vallecas," he said.

"Michael and I understood each other very well. He was a coach that I liked a lot, left a lot of freedom to the player. He gave us possession, rondos ... and was the best (laughs). I always understood myself very well because I think we spoke the same language on the field, he always trusted me and well, I had a very good year and I am very grateful."

His second year with the Swans went the opposite way to his debut campaign. Swansea themselves struggled and it was the rain-soaked derby defeat to Cardiff that has stayed with him.

There is an image of him trudging off the pitch which completely summed up his injury-plagued second term in SA1.

"Well, my right ankle did not stop hurting and I already had some discomfort when it came to playing," he said.

"Yes, it is true that I operated and recovered, but you do not find your maximum level again and it is very frustrating to play with discomfort. Playing with pain is the order of the day in professional football and it is difficult to perform. I had the misfortune to drag the injury in all that remained of my career and it was a bit frustrating."

A move to Napoli followed, leaving a slightly bitter taste in the mouths of Swansea fans. But Michu would only play a handful games for the Serie A side due to his persistent ankle issue.

"I will be eternally grateful to Swansea," he said. "It is a club that always behaved very well with me and I carry them in my heart forever. Hopefully our paths, somehow cross paths again. I do not know, I felt very loved and I feel like I owe them something yet."

Recent reports arose concerning Michu's former team-mate Jonathan de Guzman and the issues he experienced with Napoli, but the Spaniard says he was treated well in Naples.

"In Naples the truth was that I could not give up, I barely played and with me they always behaved well," he said. "Most of the recovery process was spent in Madrid, in a clinic where they went to try to recover the ankle that was still bothering me. The truth is that I do not keep any bad memories. Naples is very beautiful and highly recommended."

Michu's physical problems were well documented but the mental aspects of his injury nightmare have been less so. Did depression ever creep in during those months on the sidelines?

"No, not depression, what happens is that it's frustrating," he added.

"I have always considered myself a person with a well-furnished head and I have always been fortunate enough to be well advised by my family and friends.

"In this case, at the time of the withdrawal was also recommended by doctors and I must thank Mikel Sanchez who is one of the best doctors in this country.

"Among all we decided that the best for the ankle, since I hope I had a long life (laughs), was to put an end to my stage in professional football. We made the decision and there is no problem, life goes on and thank God I can continue to be linked to football."

Michu currently holds the position of sporting director at UP Langreo, where his brother performed head coaching duties.

During a recent derby match involving his old side Real Oviedo last month, Michu sported a flat cap.

"I'm a huge fan of the Peaky Blinders series, and I wanted to make a nod on the day of the derby at the Tartiere."