New Manchester United signing Bastian Schweinsteiger has said his farewells to Bayern Munich supporters in a statement and video posted on Twitter.
The Germany captain is leaving the Bundesliga champions after a career spanning 17 years during which he won eight Bundesliga titles, seven DFB-Pokals and the Champions League.
“Hi dear Bayern fans, and the South Stand in Munich,” Schweinsteiger said in a Twitter video. “I know that has been a lot of speculation about my future in recent weeks and months and I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic time we spent together.
“It started in the Olympiastadion and continued into the Allianz Arena. It was a really fantastic time and we experienced some great moments with 15 national titles, including the historic treble and other highlights.
“We are always going to have a bond and I will keep you in my heart forever.
“I also want to thank all the employees at the Sabener Strasse [training ground] for the great time we had together – unfortunately I can’t name everybody, but thanks for everybody, you helped me a great deal.
“I hope you, dear fans, understand that I have chosen this path now. I think it’s a great challenge and I’m looking forward to it, although I will never forget you.
“I will always hold you here [in my heart] and I hope we see each other again soon. Yours, Basti.”
Liebe Fans, ich möchte mich bei euch für die unglaublichen gemeinsamen Jahre beim @FCBayern bedanken! #MiaSanMiahttps://t.co/XCRsLkT8ci
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) July 12, 2015
The 30-year-old midfielder added in a written statement: “The decision was very hard to make because you and FCB have and always will be an extremely important part of my life.
“Nevertheless, I would like to again gain experience at a new club.
“My destination is Manchester United. I hope you understand my decision. No one can take away the incredible journey we had together. MiaSanMia.”
Schweinsteiger, who will become the first German to play for United’s first team.
