The (Short) Story of Michu and The Premier League’s Best One-Hit-Wonder

Having signed for Swansea City for £2.3 million, Miguel Pérez Cuesta’s expectations were low - yet no one was prepared for him to have one of the best Premier League seasons of all time.

Let’s take it back to the 2012 summer transfer window.

The window was full of stars and high-profile transfers. Robin van Persie made the switch to Manchester United, Eden Hazard was the new kid on the block at Chelsea, and Arsenal signed Olivier Giroud following his tittle-winning season with Montpellier.

Understandably, Michu’s move to Swansea went under the radar. In most people’s eyes, he was another top-flight journeyman.

But it wasn’t long until he proved everyone wrong.

It only took eight minutes for Michu to set the tone on his debut against Queens Park Rangers. As the ball rolled to him from outside the box, he took a first-time snapshot that snuck under Rob Green’s arm.

The game ended 5-0. Michu bagged two goals and an assist.

By Christmas, Michu had already reached double-digits. His manager and football legend, Michael Laudrup, told the press that Swansea would deflect any interest in their star man.

But it’s the English League Cup win with Swansea that cemented Michu’s season as legendary.

When the Welsh side found themselves in a two-legged semi-final with Chelsea in February 2013, it was Michu’s goal that opened the scoring in the first fixture. Following the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Laudrup’s side maintained a goalless draw which took his side to Wembley.

In the final against Bradford City of League Two, three divisions below Swansea.

Michu led the line and contributed another goal in the final. It was a dominant performance and Swansea won 5-0.

It was the first and only time the Welsh side won a major trophy, and it was the day that Michu cemented himself as a club legend.

The Spaniard ended the Premier League campaign with 18 goals and three assists. But it is his flair, iconic celebration and finesse that will be etched in the memory of every Swansea City fan.

Sadly, Michu’s career was riddled with injuries which meant he retired at 31. His recurring ankle injury meant he couldn't maintain a consistent run of games.

Now, Michu is Sporting Director at Northern Spanish side Burgos CF and in his first season there, the club were promoted to the Spanish second division.