March 21, 2017
Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is set to join Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire, the Chicago Tribune has reported.
The German footballer, who signed for United at the start of last season, has found himself out of favour since manager Jose Mourinho arrived at the club at the start of the current campaign.
"Throughout my career, I´ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great," the newspaper quoted Schweinsteiger as saying.
"My move to Chicago Fire is no different," he said.
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
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) March 21, 2017
Manchester United have agreed to let Schweinsteiger move to MLS side Chicago Fire.
.@BSchweinsteiger to join Chicago Fire, subject to medical and visa: https://t.co/CyYuBV4HdG
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 21, 2017
All the best, Bastian. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XKSUA6XJO2
According to Sky Sports, the American club are offering him a one-year contract worth £70,000 a week - which will make him one of the ten highest-paid players in the MLS.
Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez said the club were getting a proven winner in Schweinsteiger, who spent 13 seasons with Bayern Munich, winning eight Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups and the Champions League in 2013.He was also part of the 2014 World Cup winning squad and represented his country 121 times before announcing his retirement from international football last July.
"We´re adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values," added Rodriguez.
Chicago have finished last overall in MLS for the past two seasons.
Additional reporting from Reuters