Schweinsteiger formally completes move to Chicago Fire

Joe Williams

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Has officially moved to Chicago Fire

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s move from Manchester United to Chicago Fire has been completed, the Premier League club have confirmed.

The German’s visa application was the only formality preventing the switch from officially being finalised but that has now been done.

Schweinsteiger, who was mobbed by fans upon his arrival at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Tuesday, will join the Fire as a designated player on one-year deal for a reported salary of US dollars 4.5million (£3.6million).

The 32-year-old is set to be unveiled by the Major League Soccer side at a press conference tonight (1500 local time).

A statement on United’s official website, manutd.com, said: “Bastian Schweinsteiger has completed his move from Manchester United to Chicago Fire.

“The World Cup winner has joined the Major League Soccer side on a permanent basis after passing a medical and receiving his visa.

“After being given a hero’s welcome by supporters at his new club, Schweinsteiger has finalised the required paperwork and could be in line for a debut against Montreal Impact at the weekend.

“The 32-year-old made 35 appearances for the Reds and scored twice, against Leicester City in the Premier League last season and Wigan Athletic in the Emirates FA Cup earlier this year.

“Everybody at United would like to wish Basti the very best of luck in the next chapter of his career.”

A move away from United seemed inevitable for Schweinsteiger, who was signed by former manager Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2015, for some time after he was largely frozen out under Jose Mourinho.

But despite his difficulties during his time at Old Trafford, Schweinsteiger remained hugely popular among United players and fans.

The Fire finished last in the Eastern Conference last season, winning just seven of their 34 matches as they undergo a rebuilding process with a young squad.