Dutchman Leroy Fer reckons he has joined the Euro 2016 winners by signing permanently for Swansea City.
Fer – who has agreed a three-year deal after a loan switch last season from QPR – insists the Swans were the Premier League’s top achievers at the tournament in France.
Southampton may have had defenders Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares in Portugal’s trophy-lifting line-up, but it was Eder – who was at the Liberty Stadium last season – who scored their winner against France in the final.
That came after Swansea pair Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor reached the semi-finals with Wales.
The club also boasted quarter-finalists Gylfi Sigurdsson, with Iceland, and Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
“You could say that Swansea were the winners out there because of the accomplishments of our players,” said Fer, whose Holland team fell victims to Iceland in qualifying long before the Viking mugging of England.
“I watched all the games in the Euros and because I now play for a Welsh club, I was supporting Wales.
“Iceland did very well, with Gylfi a massive part of that, and Poland also had a good tournament with Lukasz in fantastic form.
“Wales showed they have a very strong team. They fit together well and play for each other. That started at the back where Ashley did an amazing job. He does the same things for Wales that he does for Swansea. He’s such a strong character.
“You can see his influence for both teams, because if Ash has a bad day it effects the whole team. That’s how important he is.
“He is so strong on the field and has all the qualities you need to play in any team.”
Midfielder Fer, 26, believes next season he can recover the form that earned him 11 caps for Holland by riding the Welsh wave.
“I enjoy the playing style at this club. We always try to play out from the back and have a lot of ball possession. That is how we try to play in Holand.
“I think Wales’ performances will have a big impact on Welsh football. There are only two big clubs here and I think the feeling Wales have created will have an impact on both of them. There are good times ahead.”
