Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger brought the curtain down on his hugely successful career at Bayern Munich on Saturday as it was announced he is joining English Premier League giants Manchester United subject to passing a medical. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Bayern and United have agreed an undisclosed transfer fee - though German daily Bild reported it would be between 18 and 20 million euros ($20-22.31m) - for the 30-year-old defensive midfielder, who has made 536 appearances for Bayern since his senior debut in 2002.
Schweinsteiger informed the German champions on Friday he wanted a change of scenery and is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Red Devils. "Bastian and I had a serious conversation on Friday. He told me he has been thinking about his career and wants to try something new," said Rummenigge. "He asked me to find a way and things between Manchester United and Bayern Munich have been clarified, we have agreed on a fair transfer fee.
"We have taken into account that Bastian is a very deserving player. "We tried to convince him to stay with Bayern Munich, but I completely understand that after 17 years with us, he wants to experience something new. "Other figures in German football like Franz Beckenbauer to New York, Gunter Netzer to Real Madrid and myself to Inter Milan, have taken the step in their careers to move abroad and I can understand his desire to do the same."
United confirmed the arrival of what is the first ever German player to join the club in a statement on their official website. "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, subject to a medical and personal terms," the statement announced. Rummenigge said Schweinsteiger had turned down the chance to take part in Saturday's Bayern team presentation at the Allianz Arena to bid farewell. The news was received with some boos and whistles from fans in the stadium.
Rummenigge insisted there is no truth to reports Schweinsteiger is leaving Bayern because of problems with coach Pep Guardiola: "I would like to refer to that in the realm of fairytales," he said drily. The Bayern chairman also said no other Bayern player will join United this summer, ending speculation Germany star Thomas Mueller may follow. Germany coach Joachim Loew gave his blessing to Schweinsteiger's transfer. "'Basti' is an absolute leader and world-class player, who can make his mark on any team and obviously Manchester United," said Loew.
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