Chico's now a Jack at heart
27th April
Fans favourite Chico Flores has revealed he's now a qualified member of the Jack Army, insisting: "I love the Swansea fans."
Chico sat down with the press yesterday for his first media interview conducted in English since his summer move from Genoa.
And Chico, who has become something of a cult hero already at the Liberty, was quick to hail the Swans fans for the superb support they have shown him.
The Spaniard was famously among the Jack Army in the away end at Craven Cottage after he missed out on the victory over Fulham in December.
And he insisted the passion both he and the supporters share has helped him settle into his new surroundings.
"I love the Swansea fans," declared the centre-back.
"I love hearing the fans chant my name. It's great for a new player in a new league.
"Swansea fans always support us and cheer us, which makes me very happy.
"I couldn't play against Fulham so I drove there with my wife (Davinia).
"We went to the stadium and watched the game with the fans.
"When we got into the stadium, all the fans turned to me and started chanting 'Chico! Chico!'
"I was like, 'Oh my God', and I decided to join in with the chanting!
"I really enjoyed that match. I felt like a Swansea fan.
"I'm a footballer but I am always a fan.
"When we scored against Fulham, I was hugging my wife, the fans, everyone!"
After making his debut in the opening-day 5-0 win at QPR, Chico saw red in his third league game for a high challenge on Sunderland's Louis Saha.
The 26-year-old admits it was a useful lesson for him to learn as he adapted to football in a new country.
"I'm a young player, but I've played in Spain, Italy and, this year, the Premier League," said Chico, who signed a one-year extension to his contract earlier this month to keep him at the Liberty until the summer of 2016.
"Each league is different. In Spain, it's not as normal to get a red card for that (high-footed tackle on Saha).
"The fans might think I was very aggressive, but I think it's just because the leagues are different.
"I learned after that red card to control my aggression, that the Premier League is different.
"It's normal for a player in a new league to make a mistake and to learn from it.
"I think Michu, Pablo and I have all adapted quickly to the Premier League.
"I've really enjoyed playing in the Premier League. It's a very good competition.
"It's fast and physical, and I've been very happy to play in it.
"I've really enjoyed my time in Swansea. It was difficult in the beginning, with the language and the cold weather.
"I'm very happy in Swansea and, because of that, I signed a new contract.
"I'm happy, and so are Michu, Pablo and Angel. We're all very comfortable here.
"It has been a very good learning experience to play in the Premier League."