Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is travelling to Manchester United to complete his medical ahead of his proposed A?15 million move to the Red Devils, has released a heartfelt message to the Bayern Munich fans, explaining his move to the English shores.
Schweinsteiger who had joined the club’s youth ranks has been at the club for 17-years now, and has won many major trophies, including eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League during his time with the Bavarians.
The Germany captain had been heavily linked with a move away from the Budesliga champions, with his contract entering it’s final year. Pep Guardiola had also said that the 30-year-old midfielderhad the right to decide his own future. Yesterday, Bayern Munich confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Manchester United.
It has been reported that the Bayern superstar, is set to put pen to paper on a 3-year-contract, with wages roughly equaling to A?7.2 million per year. Bayern Munich CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, confirmed that Bastian will be due a testimonial, when he finally retires, while also opening gates for him for a future role with the Bavarians.
Schweinsteiger will become the first German footballer to play for Manchester United in their long and illustrious career, and his close relationship with manager Louis Van Gaal, went a long way in convincing the World Cup winner, that this was the right career move for him at this point. He said–
“Hi dear Bayern fans, and the South Stand in Munich. I know that has been a lot of speculation about my future in recent weeks and months and I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic time we spent together.
“It started in the Olympiastadion and continued into the Allianz Arena. It was a really fantastic time and we experienced some great moments with 15 national titles, including the historic treble and other highlights.
“We are always going to have a bond and I will keep you in my heart forever. I also want to thank all the employees at the Sabener Strasse (training ground) for the great time we had together – unfortunately I can’t name everybody, but thanks for everybody, you helped me a great deal.
“I hope you, dear fans, understand that I have chosen this path now. I think it’s a great challenge and I’m looking forward to it, although I will never forget you.
“I will always hold you here [in my heart] and I hope we see each other again soon. Yours, Basti.”
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In a further written statement, he added: “The decision was very hard to make because you and FCB have and always will be an extremely important part of my life.
“Nevertheless, I would like to again gain experience at a new club. My destination is Manchester United. I hope you understand my decision. No one can take away the incredible journey we had together. #MiaSanMia.”
This is what the German tweeted:
140 characters cannot express how I feel for @FCBayern. #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/EFNX2Jvh00
a Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) July 12, 2015
One last dream in my career come true. I am excited about the next chapter in my life with @ManUtd. pic.twitter.com/aWnz9mnuD8 a Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) July 12, 2015
Liebe Fans, ich m chte mich bei euch fA?r die unglaublichen gemeinsamen Jahre beim @FCBayern bedanken! #MiaSanMia https://t.co/XCRsLkT8ci
a Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) July 12, 2015
Manchester United’s lack of a genuine world class midfielder, has been well documented since the days following Paul Scholes retirement, and Schweinsteiger’s addition would go a long way in filling this void in their ranks. Louis Van Gaal has already secured the services of Memphis Depay from PSV and right-back Matteo Darmian from Torino, with Schweinsteiger set to be his 3rd addition of the summer.