de Guzman reflects on "great year"

Jonathan de Guzman has reflected on a "great year" at Swansea City, with the loan star enjoying huge success on the domestic and international stage.
The Dutch midfielder scored eight goals last season as the Swans finished ninth in the Barclays Premier League while they also lifted the Capital One Cup after beating Bradford City 5-0 in the final, with de Guzman scoring twice.
His performances during his loan spell at the Swans also earned him international recognition as he won his first caps for Holland.
And the 25-year-old, who is now back at parent club Villarreal, has hinted he would not rule out a potential return to SA1.
 "My ears are always open," he said via his official website www.jonathandeguzman.com
"I had a great year there. The people around the club and the fans treated me well.
"It was not just the results we had, it was more about showing we can also compete with the big teams. We played better against the bigger teams.
"We played well in a lot of games. We played good football and it's refreshing playing in a team that has a good football mind.
"I'm very satisfied with what happened. We did very well - we were very creative.
"We really put Swansea on the map."
The Dutchman also pointed to the appointment of Michael Laudrup - his former coach at Mallorca - at the Liberty as a key reason behind his switch to South West Wales.
And, following a quick chat with countryman Michel Vorm, de Guzman had a great feeling ahead of his loan move last July.
"He (Laudrup) knew how I was as a player and person at Mallorca. He knew my situation at Villarreal and he asked if I wanted to join Swansea," added de Guzman, whose second goal against Stoke in January was voted the best of the season at the club's awards night.
"It was a no brainer, knowing how Swansea play. I spoke to Michel Vorm before joining, and he said it was a great team that would suit me very well.
"I needed a breath of fresh air, and Laudrup gave that to me.
"I got minutes and felt part of the team, which was important for me.
"It was a dream come true."