Bastian Schweinsteiger has finally gotten his escape route from Manchester United. The long frozen out former German National Team Captain is headed to the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. This potential deal has been discussed in detail since November with transfer rumors circulating for the past few months, and thus we already crafted an in depth piece on the pros and cons at this link.
It had been thought that Schweinsteiger could move during the January transfer period, but it did not materialize. Now it’s on, with Schweinsteirger set to join the team this week, with all the formalities complete.
Schweinsteiger is scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 6:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 28 at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5. On Wednesday, his introductory press conference will be conducted, and it provides the first opportunity for media to interview the German since he left Old Trafford.
The press conference will be broadcast live on CSN+ and streamed on www.Chicago-Fire.com.
The 32-year-old midfielder now comes to Toyota Park on a one year deal. He’s just the second World Cup winner to ever join MLS. He’s also now freed from a situation which had gone so downhill that he was training with the U21s, a controversial practice that brought a lot of heat on United Manager Jose Mourinho. Some experts even questioned the legality, from a workers’ rights perspective, of Mourinho’s actions.
Schweinsteiger signed a designated player contract that will give pay him $4.5 million in 2017, according to the Tribune, which also said the deal is for one year with a mutual option for the future.
This is a huge move for the Chicago Fire. It may be the biggest signing in Chicago Fire history.
Schweinsteiger said in a statement to the Tribune:
“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great,
“My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and [coach Veljko Paunovic], I’m convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.”
It’s the next chapter for Schweinsteiger, and a huge day for #cf97. Schweinsteiger is a figure beloved by fans and teammates everywhere, and gives the club exactly what they need- an injection of star power.
In between clubs, while all the Is have been dotted, and the Ts crossed, Schweinsteiger has been training with Mallorca in Spain.
“Thanks for the possibility to have some training sessions on your facilities until I get my visa for the US, RCD Mallorca,” Schweinsteiger said.
Thanks for the possibility to have some training sessions on your facilities until I get my visa for the US, RCD Mallorca ? pic.twitter.com/Q9RLRA20QK
— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) March 26, 2017
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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