Former Swansea City Star Michu Retires From Football Aged 31
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Spanish striker Michu has been forced into an early retirement from football due to injury.
The 31-year old is best known by football fans for his time in the Premier League with Swansea City, where he was a revelation after signing from Rayo Vallecano for a dirt cheap £2.5 million.
Having taken on the number nine shirt at the club, Michu hit the ground running and scored two goals on his debut against Queens Park Rangers.
Image: PA
And he maintained that level of goalscoring form for the rest of the season, bagging a mightily impressive 22 goals in all competitions as Swansea finished in 9th place in the Premier League, and won the League Cup under Michael Laudrup - the club's first major trophy win.
He was simply sensational in his first season, with his form leading to a deserved call-up to the Spain national team.
Image: PA
Like many before him though, Michu struggled to replicate his 18-goal haul in the Premier League the following season, managing just two goals in 2013/14.
The former Celta Vigo man was subsequently loaned to Napoli in Serie A, before being released from his contract in November 2015.
Since then, Michu signed for Austrian side Langreo as well as returning to boyhood club Real Oviedo in the Segunda division for the 2016/17 campaign.
Image: PA
He still has a year on his contract at Oviedo, but reports from Spain say Michu is calling time on his playing career due to ankle injuries, and has outlined his intention to remain in football in a non-playing capacity such as coaching or as a director of football.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
He had one great season - more than most of us get. Due to an ankle injury, former Swansea player Michu has had to retire at the age of 31. pic.twitter.com/u3AuxOxfE2
- 32Red (@32Red) July 17, 2017
Michu set to retire :pensive:one of my true sporting heroes. Probably my biggest idol in football. Love you @Michuoviedo :revolving_hearts::broken_heart: pic.twitter.com/RmjnWmuga1
- Big J (@Yachty) July 16, 2017
Shame to see Michu retire - fantastic talent. I remember us linked with him, but I'm pretty sure we signed James McClean instead. Typical...
- Alex (@90alx) July 16, 2017
So sad to hear that Michu @Michuoviedo has had to retire. Privileged to have seen you at your best...and you were the best. Buena Suerte YJB
- Mark Ludlam (@basementjack) July 16, 2017
Michu what a player, sad to see him retire from football. All I can say is thanks for the goals at Swansea #swans @Michuoviedo
- MARUSSIA15 gaming (@nascarmike189) July 16, 2017
Sad for michu to retire with Injury but can't help but feel it was his own fault with all that billboard kicking
- Aled Thomas (@aledt96) July 16, 2017
Reports Michu has had to retire.
Sad if true.
What a player at his best.
:raised_hands::raised_hands::raised_hands: pic.twitter.com/02d8EieWUh
- Jack Davies (@rj_davies) July 16, 2017
Michu was absolutely brilliant for us in his first season and played his part
Sad he has to retire #Swans
- Paul (@IceWithNoLemon) July 16, 2017
The man who pretty much invented the term 'One season wonder', Michu has had to retire due to an ankle injury!
Never forget that season:fire: pic.twitter.com/f3ExoN2BDA
- Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) July 17, 2017
A sad turn of events. We'll always remember that sublime excellent debut season in England and his animated goal celebrations.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Swansea City
