Bastian Schweinsteiger was certainly a very well liked teammate in the Old Trafford dressing room. Through what was an extreme and sometimes even humiliating situation at United, Schweinsteiger kept up his positive frame of mind and team spirit. His professionalism under very tough circumstances is commendable.
When it was announced that United had set him free to join the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer, United forward Anthony Martial was quick to wish the midfielder well. In his social media goodbye to the Captain of the 2014 World Cup winning German national team, Martial revealed Schweinsteiger’s nickname on the team, calling him ‘Giorgio Armani’.
Oh Giorgio Armani all the best for your new challenge and thanks for your advices and your good mood ????? @BSchweinsteiger
— Anthony Martial (@AnthonyMartial) March 21, 2017
Tuesday night, the man deemed an extremely dapper dresser by Anthony Martial arrived in Chicago, with a surreal scene waiting for him at O’Hare International Airport. Go here for videos and photos of the Chicago Fire welcome wagon.
Wednesday brought his introductory press conference, and with it a Q&A regarding his nickname. In the very first question of the press conference, an explanation of his nickname was requested.
“Maybe you could guess what it is, I like very much the Giorgio Armani stuff,” Schweinsteiger replied as he pulled on the front of the suit he was wearing (indicating he was wearing an Armani at the moment).
“So if Giorgio Armani, maybe is watching, we can meet each other,” he continued before Chicago Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez alerted: “an entire club sponsorship is available Mr. Armani.”
The whole exchange went over quite well, as much of the room laughed. It was room packed with hundreds of club sponsors and supporters, as well as scores of media from all around the world.
Indeed, it seems like a potential sponsorship deal between Basti and the luxury men’s clothing maker would certainly be a natural fit! Sitting in the front row at the #CHIweinsteiger event was the midfielder’s lovely wife, tennis superstar Ana Ivanovic.
https://twitter.com/PaulMBanks/status/847218827276488709
There is no doubt she might be the #1 fan of Schweinsteiger’s wardrobe.
Schweinsteiger’s first appearance as a member of the Fire could come Saturday when they host Montreal Impact at 2. His first start might be the following week, April 8th versus Columbus Crew.
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.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube