Manchester United have announced the signing of decorated midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich.
The World Cup winner signs a three-year contract at Old Trafford upon leaving his boyhood club after 17 years of service.
The international centurion, who has also won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League, will become the first German to ever play for United.
#mufc is delighted to announce the signing of @BSchweinsteiger from Bayern Munich on a 3-year contract. #WelcomeBasti pic.twitter.com/jGcC2K1HLD
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 13, 2015
He told United’s official website: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bayern Munich, it has been an incredible journey and I didn’t take the decision to leave lightly.
“Manchester United is the only club that I would have left Munich for. I feel ready for this new and exciting challenge in what I regard as the most competitive league in the world and I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal again.
“I will never forget my time at Bayern Munich and I would like to thank everyone at the club and the fans for the great memories.”
The 30-year-old, who scored 70 goals in 500 games for Bayern, where he worked with Red Devils manager Van Gaal between 2009 and 2011, is believed to have cost United around £14.4m.
Van Gaal added: “Bastian is, of course, no stranger to me. I worked with him during my time at Bayern Munich and I am truly delighted he is joining Manchester United.
“His record speaks for itself; he has won every honour at club level and was a major part of the successful Germany World Cup-winning team last summer.
“Bastian is the ultimate professional and there is no doubting his talent and his ability to control games. He brings a wealth of experience and is an excellent addition to our squad.”
United are expected to follow up the signing of Schweinsteiger by confirming the arrival of Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton later this afternoon.
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