Off the wire
• Kazan World Cup football stadium turns to swimming pool  • Mongolians celebrate Naadam Festival  • Chinese Super League soccer standings  • 1st LD: 16 killed, 80 wounded in Chad suicide bomb attack  • Chinese Super League soccer results  • 4th Ld-Writethru: China Focus: Typhoon Chan-Hom lands in east China, wreaks havoc  • Feature: Spurs deal conjures up magic of NFL team being based in London  • Tough issues still need to be resolved in ongoing Iran nuclear talks: Kerry  • Senior leader urges promoting education campaign for CPC officials  • 2nd LD Writethru: Two suicide bombers killed in Afghan capital explosion  
You are here: 　 Home

Bayern CEO Rummenigge confirms Schweinsteiger's departure

Xinhua, July 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

Bastian Schweinsteiger leaves Bayern Munich to join Manchester United, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed during a press conference on Saturday.

Schweinsteiger leaves Bayern Munich after 17 years as the midfielder joins Premier League outfit Manchester United and his former coach Louis van Gaal.

"Bastian and I agreed to meet after the holidays. Our meeting took place yesterday. During our very serious, detailed and honest conversation he informed that he wants to start something new before he ends his career. He asked me to respond to his request," Bayern CEO Rummenigge said.

Since Friday night German media reported that the German international signed a new contract with Manchester United. However, both clubs haven't confirmed the transfer yet.

"We tried to convince him to stay. Nevertheless, I also understand that a player, who played 17 years at Bayern, wants to gain a new experience before he retires."

It is unknown when Schweinsteiger will be officially introduced at Old Trafford, as he still has to pass the medical. According to German media the 30-year-old midfielder is said to sign a three-year deal.

Schweinsteiger will thus complete the chapter at Bayern Munich after 17 years and 20 titles. He scored overall 45 goals in 342 appearances for the German giants. The midfielder is besides that since 2004 a key player of Germany's national squad, where he played 111 caps to score 23 goals.

Rummenigge added: "I can only wish Bastian all the best. It will be an interesting challenge for him."

The "Bavarians" kick off the Bundesliga season 2015-2016 on August 14 against Hamburg. Endi