Bastian Schweinsteiger has become only the second reigning World Cup winner to move to the United States’ Major League Soccer after his departure from Manchester United was confirmed.
The German lasted 20 months at United but found himself on the fringes of Jose Mourinho’s squad this season. He came in from the cold, somewhat, as the season progressed but the door was always open for him to leave.
On our way to London by train! pic.twitter.com/IM7kFBZqWn
— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) February 25, 2017
Schweinsteiger will now join MLS strugglers Chicago Fire on a one-year deal and could link up with coach Veljko Paunovic’s team by the middle of next week, depending on his visa and satisfying the club medics.
A weekly wage of approximately $86,500 for a player the wrong side of 30, who has struggled with injuries and form in recent years, is pretty steep but Fire are in a hole and this may spark a revival in their playing fortunes.
A source close to the club told The Chicago Tribune that Schweinsteiger will be on a guaranteed annual salary of $4.5m (€4.2m or £3.6m). It will make the midfielder one of the 10 highest players in the league and there is a mutual option for a one-year contract extension.
In a statement released by his new club, Schweinsteiger commented:
“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great. My move to Chicago Fire is no different.
“Through my conversations with [Fire general manager] Nelson Rodriguez and Pauno, I’m convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.”
Rodriguez believes the club needs to rise to an international standard and he hopes that the bank-breaking move for Schweinsteiger – and eight-time Bundesliga winner – will help in that regard.
“In the locker room, he will be a huge example of a champion,” Paunovic added.
“He still is somebody that can show that on the field and (demonstrate) how our guys have to work, prepare, behave, think and work together in order to get to that level.”
There has been no gushing farewell to United yet on either the player’s Instagram and Twitter accounts but watch this space…
