Reflecting on Chico Flores and Pablo Hernandez's stay at Swansea City

With Chico Flores and Pablo Hernandez set to ply their trade in the Qatari Stars League this season, we look back on the Spanish duo's time at Swansea City.
Centre-back Chico and midfielder Hernandez have completed their moves to Qatar champions Lekhwiya and Al-Arabi, subject to international clearance.
It ends a two-year spell at the Liberty for the Spaniards, with Chico arriving in South West Wales from Genoa while Hernandez was a then club-record signing in August 2012 after a £5.55million deal from Valencia.
Chico made 75 appearances in all competitions for the Swans, scoring four goals, during his two-year spell at the Liberty.
The 25-year-old helped the Swans win the Capital One Cup along with a ninth-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League as he was crowned Best Newcomer at the club's awards night in his first season in South Wales.
The Spaniard again played a significant role the following season as the Swans reached the last 32 of the Europa League along with a 12th-placed finish in the top flight.
Chico, a former Spain Under-21 international, now reunites with former Swans boss Michael Laudrup, who took over at Lekhwiya earlier this summer.



"I have been here two years and the fans, my team-mates and staff at the club have been so nice to me," said Chico.
"It feels like I am leaving my family. The club is special because everyone makes you feel good and welcome every single day.
"I have really enjoyed my time here. When we won the cup it was one of the best moments in my career.
"Seeing the joy on the faces of the fans around the city was special for me. It meant so much to them and us players to be lifting the cup, and we did it together.
"I will always follow Swansea's results. I will not forget what this club has done for me.
"I hope the club have another great season. In my time here we have had two very successful years, but I'm sure the team can continue that."
He added: "I want to say thank you very much to all the fans, because I will never forget their support.
"And, finally, I want to thank my team-mates and the staff at the club for everything they have done for me.



Spanish international Hernandez made 57 league appearances during his two years at the Swans, scoring five goals, but now links up with the Doha-based Al-Arabi, who are managed by former Romanian and Chelsea right-back Dan Petrescu.
The 29-year-old made his Swans debut off the bench in a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa, while he notched his first goal two months later as his strike denied Chelsea victory at the Liberty.
Hernandez was in the starting XI as the Swans beat Bradford City in the Capital One Cup final that season, while in the following term he featured heavily in the Europa League and Premier League campaigns.
Everyone at Swansea City would like to thank Chico and Pablo for their service, and wish them well in their new challenges.