Bastian Schweinsteiger’s Manchester United days are officially over.
In truth, they more or less were the day Jose Mourinho walked through the doors of the AON Training complex last summer, but still…
The World Cup winner, whose only appearances for United this season have come from the bench in cup competitions, has confirmed that he is moving to Major League Soccer side, Chicago Fire.
Happy retirement Basti https://t.co/QIeR5zF6ak
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 21, 2017
In a statement posted on United’s website, the former Bayern Munich midfielder thanked those that had helped him during his less than two-year stay in Manchester (even the manager), singling out the club’s supporters for special praise.
‘I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United,’ he said. ‘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.’
Aside from this, he posted a special video in which he addresses the United supporters.
Thanks to all fans, the whole staff and my teammates of @ManUtd! I will never forget my time with the club, but now it’s time for a change! pic.twitter.com/zYn2o5Cjsk
— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) March 21, 2017
Interestingly, Schweinsteiger wishes Jose Mourinho and the current United squad well without, in his statement or video, once mentioning Louis van Gaal, the man that brought him to the club and gave him 26 outings for United last season.
Perhaps the German has not forgotten being dropped from United’s FA Cup final squad after all…
