Bastian Schweinsteiger on Sunday confirmed he will quit Bayern Munich for Manchester United, subject to a medical, as the German champions lost twice in their first pre-season tournament without him.
Bayern on Saturday announced that they had agreed a transfer fee with United for the 30-year-old defensive midfielder, who is set to quit after 17 years to sign a three-year deal with the English club.
Schweinsteiger tweeted a picture of himself on a plane on Sunday with the caption: “One last dream in my career will come true. I’m excited about the next chapter in my career with Manchester United.”
Photo: EPA
“Dear fans, after 17 incredible years at FC Bayern, 15 national titles, winning the historical treble and uncountable other highlights, I have decided to take a new career step,” Schweinsteiger wrote on Facebook.
“This decision was very hard to make because you and FC Bayern have, are and will always be an extremely important part of my life. Nevertheless, I would like to again gain experience at a new club and my destination is Manchester United. I hope you understand my decision. No one can take away the incredible journey we had together,” he added.
He will be the first German to play for United.
According to both German and British media, United are to pay Bayern about ￡14 million (US$21.72 million) and Schweinsteiger is to again work under former Bayern coach Louis van Gaal, who is in charge at United.
Schweinsteiger was due to have a medical on Sunday and United were reported to be eager to complete the deal so that Schweinsteiger could join them when they flew out on their North America tour yesterday.
Meanwhile, Bayern struggled to pick up the pieces without their midfield dynamo.
They lost 2-1 to Augsburg in the semi-finals of a preseason tournament on Sunday, then lost a penalty shootout 4-3 to hosts Borussia Moenchengladbach in the third-place playoff to finish last in the four-team event.
Xabi Alonso slotted into Schweinsteiger’s vacated midfield role.
Thiago Alcantara gave Bayern an early lead against Augsburg, who then equalized through Alexander Esswein before South Korea defender Hong Jeong-ho gave his side the winner with a superb header from a corner to shock Bayern.
Munich then lost the shootout to Moenchengladbach after their playoff finished goalless.
“It is still in the early stages of preseason, but Ausgburg play the way they play, which works for them and we did not play so bad,” Bayern’s Thomas Mueller said. “It’s a bit strange, because I only know FC Bayern with Bastian, but that is the business of football. Everyone knows what he has done for Bayern Munich, but the friendship will not be forgotten.”
Having made 536 appearances for Bayern since his debut in 2002 as an 18-year-old, Schweinsteiger has won all there is to win in Germany.
Bayern’s vice captain collected his eighth Bundesliga winners medal last season and has lifted the DFB Pokal on seven occasions.
He was a key figure in a 2013 treble-winning side, which won the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB Pokal crowns.
“He is a great player and there is no need to talk about him as a footballer,” Bayern’s Rafinha said. “He was a leader for us and everyone here is sad that he is going, but I hope he has a lot of success at Manchester United.”
Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski echoed Rafinha’s sentiments by wishing his former teammate “all the best” at United.
Despite his departure, Bayern still boast the likes of Spain stars Xabi Alonso, Thiago and Javi Martinez in their central midfield.
They have also signed Brazil winger Douglas Costa and Germany midfield talent Joshua Kimmich for next season.
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