Bastian Schweinsteiger signs for MLS side Chicago Fire from Manchester United on £70,000-a-week deal
Old Trafford flop could link up with the American outfit as early as next week depending on visa application and medical
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BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER has signed for MLS side Chicago Fire.
The Germany World Cup winner could officially leave Manchester United by as early as next week, depending on his visa application and medical.
Schweinsteiger, 32, joins on a one-year contract worth £70,000 a week, with the option to extend by a further 12 months.
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The ex-Bayern Munich star said: “Dear fans of Manchester United I have decided to make a permanent move to Chicago Fire.
“I really wish that I could have done more for you, but it was time for me to make a change.
“Thank you especially for your amazing support during my time at the club, I will never forget it.
“Having been part of the team which won last year’s FA Cup, this makes me very proud.
“I would also like to say thank you very much to the wonderful fans, the atmosphere and the great staff and especially the players.
“I believe, and I am sure Jose Mourinho and his team will bring back the trophies to Manchester United soon.
“I wish you all the best, thank you very much, and goodbye.”
He added in a club statement: "I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United. But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire.
"I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future. But I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans – whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester.
"I was delighted to be part of the squad that won the FA Cup for them last season and will always remember their energy and their passion. Now is the right time for me to start a new chapter in Chicago and I am looking forward to it."
Schweinsteiger lost his place at United under Jose Mourinho, having joined from Bayern in 2015.
He was banished to train with the club's youngsters before earning himself more senior privileges as the season went on.
Schweinsteiger was recalled to the first-team squad before making a first appearance of the season in a 4-1 EFL Cup win over West Ham in November.
BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER CAREER IN TROPHIES
BAYERN MUNICH:
Bundesliga (8)
DFB-Pokal (7)
DFB-Ligapokal (2)
DFL-Supercup (2)
Champions League (1)
GERMANY:
World Cup (1)
His last goal for the club came in a 4-0 FA Cup win against Wigan in January.
The midfielder has not played a single minute of Premier League football this campaign.
But Fire coach Veljko Paunovic told : "We know it’s going to take some time and adjustment for him coming to the new league, new coaching staff and everything.
"We also know we can rely on his capacity to adapt and do that fast.”
He added: "He can produce actions that few players in the world can do.
“He sees [things] that nobody sees. He opens the eyes of the fans, where you can hear the people say, ‘Wow!’"
Fire finished bottom of the league in the past two seasons.
The club's general manager, Nelson Rodriguez, said: “We’re adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values.
"Now we as a club need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally."