Updated at 14.49
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL CAPTAIN Bastian Schweinsteiger completed his move to Manchester United on Monday and said they were the only club he would have considered leaving for and ending his 17 years stay with German champions Bayern Munich.
The 30-year-old 2014 World Cup winning midfielder — who was a key figure in the 2013 treble-winning Bayern side which won the Champions League, league and cup crowns — signed a three-year contract.
According to both the German and UK media, United will pay Bayern around £14m (19.47m euros, $21.72m) for Schweinsteiger, who has been a constant in the success of Bayern and the massive improvement of the German national side’s fortunes over the past decade.
The move reunited the combative midfielder — the first German to play for United — with club manager Louis van Gaal, under whom he played at Bayern from 2009 and 2011.
“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,” said Schweinsteiger, who made over 500 apparances for Bayern since making his senior debut aged just 18.
“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 completion of his move to United was not the only big announcement by the club on Monday as they also secured the signature of France international midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin on a four year contract.
The arrivals of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin continue United’s bold buying spree in the close season following earlier deals for Dutch international Memphis Depay and Torino and Italy defender Matteo Darmian.
The 25-year-old — who joined Southampton from French side Strasbourg for just 1.5million euros (£1.2million) in 2008 — signed a four year contract with United.
Schneiderlin has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and it had been reported United had a bid in the region of £20 million ($31.2 million, 28 million euros) rejected up to two weeks ago.
Schneiderlin, who played for France at last year’s World Cup finals after being a pivotal figure in the Saints establishing themselves as a competitive side in the Premier League, said while he had loved his time at Southampton it had been an easy decision for him to make once he heard United were interested.
“I am delighted to be a Manchester United player. Once I learned that United were interested in signing me, it was a very easy decision to make,” said Schneiderlin, who was at one point linked with a move to Arsenal.
“I have enjoyed seven very happy years with Southampton and it’s a club that will always be in my heart.
“But the chance to be part of this squad to help this great club be successful was too good to miss.”
