Jupp Heynckes says Bastian Schweinsteiger was a role model for his teammates

Bastian Schweinsteiger recently announced his official retirement from football, marking the end of an iconic era for German football. The Fussballgott enjoyed a well decorated career for Bayern Munich, Manchester United, the Chicago Fire, and Die Mannschaft, though he’ll predominantly be remembered for his time playing Germany with Bayern (and the national team).

He’s already received a bevvy of best wishes and praise from current and former teammates, friends, former managers, and other professional athletes. Now former Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes also has offered his praise for Schweinsteiger, whom he managed for a little over two seasons during, including the treble-winning 2012/2013 season in which Schweinsteiger played a crucial part. Reflecting back on his time working with the midfielder, Heynckes said (AZ):

He was a model for his teammates, is a model for young people who want to become professional soccer players and can look up to a person who is authentic. Bastian always stayed grounded. Bastian was always someone who took the lead. For me, he was also a fellow thinker. We always discussed things.

As for coaching, Heynckes doesn’t feel that now is the right time for Schweinsteiger to step into a coaching role:

I wouldn’t advise him to do that in the present day. And as far as I know him, he won’t do that.

Photo by Contrast / Oliver Behrendt/ullstein bild via Getty Images

Louis van Gaal managed Bayern and Schweinsteger for two seasons (2009-2011) and also offered his praise for the midfielder’s career. He said,

Schweinsteiger was one of the best players that I had as a coach. He was a player who got everything out of his career, which for me is the essence of elite sports.

Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images

DANKE FÜR ALLES, BASTIAN!