Philipp Lahm says it is an “absolute pity” Bastian Schweinsteiger will quit Bayern Munich for Manchester United.
Bayern announced on Saturday that they had agreed a transfer fee with United for the defensive midfielder, who is set to quit after 17 years to sign a three-year deal with the Premier League side.
The 30-year-old flew to Manchester yesterday to complete a medical ahead of the move and penned an emotional farewell to Munich supporters.
Liebe Fans, ich möchte mich bei euch für die unglaublichen gemeinsamen Jahre beim FC Bayern München bedanken!Dear…
Posted by Bastian Schweinsteiger on Sunday, July 12, 2015
Schweinsteiger is set to join Louis van Gaal’s contingent today as they depart for pre-season tour of America.
According to both the German and UK media, United will pay Bayern around £14million (Dh80m) and will see Schweinsteiger become the first German to play for the Red Devils.
Bayern meanwhile are left to contemplate life without their midfield dynamo.
“We have to simply respect and accept his (Schweinsteiger) decision. He’s looking for a new challenge, but for me it’s an absolute pity he is going, I have to say,” said Bayern captain Lahm.
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Having made 536 appearances for Bayern since his debut in 2002 as an 18-year-old, Schweinsteiger has won all there is to win in Germany.
Bayern’s vice-captain collected his eighth Bundesliga winners medal last season and has lifted the German Cup on seven occasions. He was a key figure in the 2013 treble-winning side which won the Champions League, league and cup crowns.
“He’s a great player and there’s no need to talk about him as a footballer,” said Bayern’s Brazil international Rafinha. “He was a leader for us and everyone here is sad that he’s going, but I hope he has a lot of success at Manchester United.”
Despite his departure Munich still have the likes of Spain stars Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez in their central midfield.
