Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has agreed a deal to join MLS outfit Chicago Fire
Via their official website, Manchester United announced that German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has agreed a deal to move to the United States to represent Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Chicago Fire.
The 32-year-old’s move to the MLS is subject to a medical and he is still obtain a visa that will allow him to represent Fire. However, the US club are looking to finalise a swift transfer, and will look to complete the signing without any further ado.
The former Germany captain thanked the United fans and players in his farewell speech, and explained why he decided to move to the MLS. He said:
“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.”
With his confirmed move to Fire, Schweinsteiger becomes only the second reigning world champion to move to the MLS. He is expected to join Veljko Paunovic’s team in the middle of next week, and will procure a P1 visa shortly.
As per the Chicago Tribune, Schweinsteiger has signed a one-year deal at Chicago Fire, and is expected to earn a staggering $4.5 million per year. His contract does have the option to extend for an additional season, and it will also make one of the ten highest-paid players in the MLS.
Chicago have made a 1-1-1 start to the new MLS season, and a source close to the club stated that they were looking to sign the German before the season began, but Manchester United were reluctant to let go of the player.
The 32-year-old boasts an incredible CV, and will bring an added experience to the American club. He has scored 24 goals in 121 international caps for Germany, and has also won the World Cup as well as the Champions League with Bayern Munich.
Schweinsteiger was linked with an exit in the summer and even had an offer on the table from Portuguese side Sporting CP. However, the German decided to reject it, and stay on at the club for one more season.
