Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup was born on 15 June 1964 in Frederiksberg, Denmark. He is a former midfielder of the Denmark national team.

In 1973, Finn Laudrup, a famous Danish footballer, sent his seven-year-old son Michael to the youth academy of Brøndby. After that, father took him to Københavns Boldklub, where young Laudrup continued his professional career. After the spectacular 1982/1983 season for Brøndby, the talented midfielder drew attention of Juventus scouts. Laudrup played for the Italian club till 1989, including his two-season loan in Lazio of Rome. In 1989, Michael moved to Spain and signed for Barcelona. He won four consecutive La Liga championships (in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994). The following year, Laudrup collected another La Liga title, this time with Real Madrid. Michael was voted the best La Liga foreign player for the previous 25 years. Before finishing the player career, Laudrup spent the first part of the season in Vissel Kobe of Japan and the second part in Dutch team Ajax. From 1982 till 1998, Michael was capped for the Denmark national football team.

In 2000, after a two-year brake, Michael started his managerial career. He was the coach of such teams as the Denmark national football team (2000/2002), Brøndby (2002/2006), Getafe (2007/2008), Spartak Moscow (2008/2009), Mallorca (2010/2011). In June 2012 Michael Laudrup took up Swansea City manager position and guided them to the League Cup glory in 2013. However, the start of 2013/2014 campaign was not that successful and the Dane was released from the club in February 2014.