Rangel hails Roque Mesa signing

7th July

First team

It took just 90 minutes for Angel Rangel to become a Roque Mesa fan.

It was in a game at the Bernabeu where the future Swansea City signing stood out above all others, as Las Palmas claimed an unlikely point against Real Madrid.

Watching on TV from the comfort of his home, Rangel found himself on the edge of his seat.

There were numerous world-renowned names on the pitch that day, but it was Roque Mesa, the little midfield maestro, who pulled the strings.

Then wearing the bright colours of Las Palmas, the team from Gran Canaria, Roque Mesa will now don the white of Swansea City.

And for Rangel, who has 10 years of service at the Liberty under his belt, the decision to recruit Roque Mesa is an inspired piece of business by the Swans.

“I saw Roque a number of times last season in La Liga,” said Rangel. “The game that really stands out for me was that match at Real Madrid.

“When you see a midfielder who isn’t the tallest but is running the show against world-class players who have won the World Cup and Champions League, it gives you an indication of his quality.

“It ended 3-3, but I was very impressed with how he played that day, particularly as it was at the Bernabeu. It shows he is a real winner.

“Hopefully he can show his quality in the Premier League and help us to achieve something special.”

Roque Mesa has signed a four-year deal after his £11million move to Wales was rubber-stamped on Thursday morning.

He will train with his new club for the first time on Monday ahead of the 10-day tour of America.

The trip Stateside will allow him to integrate fully into the squad, which has been bolstered by the signings of keeper Erwin Mulder and Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham.

And Rangel believes the Swans’ latest piece of business will prove a real coup.

“It shows the ambition of the club. We want to have a much better season, and bringing in players with the quality of Roque shows we are moving in the right direction,” added the right-back.