Bastian Schweinsteiger Has Not Had Contract Talks with Bayern Munich

Speaking in a press conference in Doha, Qatar, Bastian Schweinsteiger revealed that he has not discussed his contract with Bayern Munich. His current deal is due to expire after the 2015/16 season.

"There is no rush" Schweinsteiger said [kicker]. "I am very excited. I am concentrating on the basics. I am not doing much more."

His contract is due to expire in 18 months, the same point last year when Bayern officials began to approach Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos regarding contract extensions a year ago. The club was able to extend Robben to a two-year contract extension, while negotiations broke down with Kroos to the point that he transferred to Real Madrid for €30 million the ensuing summer.

Much like Philipp Lahm before him, Schweinsteiger speculated the length his career could. Asked how long he could play at his current level, Schweinsteiger answered: "I think that [my career] can last three, four more years." [tz-online]

Schweinsteiger has dealt with several injury issues over the past season and a half, missing a total of 197 days with various ailments. Despite his setbacks, he has not called it quits with the German national team, the DFB naming him the captain while his peers Lahm and Per Mertesacker elected to hang up their boots. He is now working to re-find the fitness and form that made him the German Footballer of the Year in 2013.

"I came back well, feel good and am excited for the Rückrunde," said Schweinsteiger. "I was happy, that I succeeded in a comeback before the winter break and that the history is behind me. Above all, that I progressed to a full 90 minutes against Mainz was good for me."

Upon his full return, Schweinsteiger will be partnering with a player he has battled across many competitions for years, Xabi Alonso. The two will team up to make a terrifying tandem in the center of the park, a prospect Schweinsteiger is very excited for, saying that Bayern have "taken the right course" in signing the long-time Spain international.

Bayern play their first of three friendlies in the winter break on Tuesday, taking on the Qatar All-Stars. Manager Pep Guardiola is convinced that the 30-year-old midfielder will return to his top gear.

"I have no doubt on his quality. When he is fit, he is top, top, top," said Guardiola. "I am positive that we will see a good Schweinsteiger in the Rückrunde."