photo credit John Gress/Chicago Fire Soccer Club
New Chicago Fire Designated Player Bastian Schweinsteiger arrived in his new hometown tonight. The former Manchester United midfielder strolled through the international arrival terminal at Chicago O’Hare International Airport early Tuesday evening.
More than 500 singing, chanting and flag-waving fans were on hand to welcome the legend of German football to the Windy City.
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.”
Below are videos and photos of this monumental moment at O’Hare. The former Man United man will be formally introduced to the media and the city tomorrow at 3pm central.
He is just the second World Cup winner to ever sign with a Major League Soccer team.
Moment Schweinsteiger walked out #cf97 #CHIweinsteiger pic.twitter.com/ZhuEijEKV8
— az (@aaronaldo17) March 29, 2017
Here's a quick look at the incredible turnout by @ChicagoFire fans at O'Hare to welcome @BSchweinsteiger to Chicago. @MLS @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/0XWaopBbP6
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) March 29, 2017
A Thumb's Up to Chicago: @BSchweinsteiger arrives at O'Hare with a big crowd of @ChicagoFire fans welcoming him to town.@WGNNews pic.twitter.com/486Mncdwoq
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) March 29, 2017
Welcome, Basti?? #CHIweinsteiger #cf97 pic.twitter.com/ffJNaaLs2N
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) March 29, 2017
Wow! Way to turn up @ChicagoFire fans! Huge welcome for @BSchweinsteiger at O'Hare tonight. #cf97 #CHIweinsteiger pic.twitter.com/atQGbKMIdx
— Frank Stranzl (@frankstranzl) March 29, 2017
Well done. #CHIweinsteiger #cf97 pic.twitter.com/U7ubZfPMgS
— Scott Hammer (@Scott_Hammer_) March 28, 2017
@SectorLatino12 led the chants for a German player. When Progressive Internationalism wins. This will be the norm. #cf97 #CHIweinsteiger pic.twitter.com/oJWFBsDuNM
— Robert Peters (@RobertJPeters) March 29, 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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