Former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has transferred from English giants Manchester United to Chicago Fire of the MLS in the USA. Schweinsteiger will move to Chicago immediately, United announced on Tuesday.
”I’m sad to be leaving all of my friends at Manchester United, but I’m happy that the club has given me the opportunity to begin a new challenge with Chicago Fire,” said Schweinsteiger according to the United homepage. On the Chicago Fire website he’s quoted as saying, “Throughout my career I’ve tried to have a positive effect and tried to help my clubs achieve great things. This will again be the case at Chicago Fire. I’m convinced by the vision and philosophy of the club and I want to help with this project.”
Chicago Fire coach Paunovic: “He sees things that nobody else sees”
Chicago Fire’s general manager Nelson Rodriguez said, “We’re getting a player who has won things at every level and who fits in with the values of this club.” Head coach Veljko Paunovic also praised Schweinsteiger, saying, “He can create things like few other players in the world. He sees things that nobody else sees.”
The former Bayern midfielder has had almost no game time at Manchester United under new manager Jose Mourinho this season. Since signing for the club in 2015, Schweinsteiger has scored two goals and had three assists in 35 appearances for the Red Devils. Schweinsteiger has started ten games for United in that time.