Premier League viewing figures soar in Denmark as Swansea shine under Michael Laudrup
The Barclays Premier League has always been popular in Denmark, but the arrival of Michael Laudrup as manager of Swansea City in the summer has sent viewing figures through the roof. Indeed, such has been the effect in his homeland that Danish broadcaster Viasat has now promised to show the Welsh side every weekend.
It was the Spanish football journalist Graham Hunter who regaled the story of how the King of Spain chanced upon Laudrup in a restaurant during his Real Madrid heyday.
"I hear you are leaving us," Juan Carlos told the Dane.
"I'm sorry, but it's true," admitted Laudrup.
"Don't be sorry," replied Juan Carlos. "Now we can revert to having just one King of Spain again."
If Laudrup was popular in Spain, some 16 years on the 48-year-old continues to enjoy iconic status back home in Denmark, where his fortunes as a manager with a burgeoning reputation are being followed with increasing fascination.
"Michael Laudrup is the nearest thing to Danish royalty," explains Peter Norrelund, head of sports at Viasat. "He is an icon of the highest order. Every step he takes is followed with huge interest and that has been the case since the 1980s when he turned pro. He is by far the most popular sports personality in Denmark."
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