Bastian Schweinsteiger, 'sad' to leave Manchester United

Manchester United club officials have confirmed Bastian Schweinsteiger will be leaving Manchester United to join the Chicago Fire soccer team.

Allegedly the club are offering him a one-year contract worth £70,000 a week - which will make him one of the 10 highest paid players in the MLS (major league soccer)

Schweinsteiger is still in the United Kingdom and will jet out to Chicago to complete a medical once he obtains a work permit and a working visa.

Schweinsteiger posted a message on United’s official website:

"I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United but I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire. I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future. I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans - whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester.”