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The Chicago Fire have officially acquired former Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger from Manchester United, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Schweinsteiger, 32, reportedly met with Fire coach Veljko Paunovic back in November. He has signed a one-year designated player contract worth $4.5 million.
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
“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great,” Schweinsteiger said in a club statement. “My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and Pauno, I'm convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.”
He left Bayern in 2015 for Manchester United after 500 Bundesliga appearances. He has made just 35 appearances in 19 months with the Red Devils, just four this season (none in the Premier League) under Jose Mourinho.