Bastian Schweinsteiger definitely had a lot to say in the interview with Die Welt, one of Germany’s leading media publications.
The midfielder reiterated that he had no regrets about his season and a half move to Manchester United, says he’s happy right now with the Chicago Fire, and will not return to play in Germany before his career ends.
“I’m really happy here and everything fits. The club is making progress and has helped my family and me a lot,” he said.
“The team wants to improve and the training staff are super. The Chicago people are also really nice and I’m having a lot of fun here. I don’t know how long I’ll play in the MLS, but at least this season!”
The march acquisition of Bastian Schweinsteiger is apparently exactly what the Fire needed to finally propel them up the standings. The Men in Red are 7-2-3, with a +11 goal differential, since United Manager Jose Mourinho set him free to cross the pond.
Schweinsteiger, Juninho and Dax McCarty have beefed up the Fire central midfielder position, allowing them to play their style which focuses on ball possession and control.
Despite his being frozen out for most of the season in which Mourinho was in charge, Schweinsteiger had only positive things to say about the Old Trafford experience.
“Whether a player moves abroad, or specifically to the United States, it always has something to do with your character. I can only report my experiences abroad in England and Chicago have been positive. You get to know a different culture and new people. Of course, as I had never moved before it was a little strange at first.”
“Nevertheless, I must say, I settled in Manchester very quickly and made new friends. It’s just the same in Chicago.”
“Chicago so impressed me because when the coach and I had a long chat, his obsession for tactics reminded me of Pep Guardiola. And of course it’s a nice feeling to be needed.”
The German’s time in Manchester even yielded a medal too. Due to the few minutes that he played in the UEFA Europa League tournament, and United’s claiming the tournament title (first in club history), Schweinsteiger was awarded a medal. While the Captain of the 2014 World Cup winning side doesn’t know yet where he will play next season, he did indicate that it would not be in Germany.
Asked whether he was planning a return to his native land, he responded: “Not to play football. I can rule that out.”
The Fire still have room to grow, but it’s clear that a thorough improvement has already occurred. The ability of Schweinsteiger to adapt quickly is a huge part of that.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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