ManU Manager Louis van Gaal has "bolstered" the club's options by completing the signings of the Germany World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich and Serie A side Torino defender Matteo Darmian, according to Jamie Jackson of the London GUARDIAN. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said that he "regretted having to sell the Germany captain" but explained that Schweinsteiger "just wants to do something new at the end of his career." It is understood that Bayern accepted a bid of around £15M ($23.2M) for Schweinsteiger, with the 30-year-old offered terms worth £140,000 ($217,000) a week over three years. Schweinsteiger, who had a year remaining on his Bayern contract, played under Van Gaal at the German club from '09-11 (GUARDIAN, 7/11). In London, Mark Cue reported the signing of Schweinsteiger is a "major statement of intent" from ManU. The club said that his transfer is "still subject to a medical and him agreeing personal terms, but that they expect him to become the first German to play for the former Premier League champions." Germany coach Joachim Löw said that the midfielder would "thrive in England." Löw: "Basti is an absolute leader and world-class player who can put his stamp on any team" (LONDON TIMES, 7/11). The BBC reported Schweinsteiger thanked Bayern Munich fans. He tweeted, "I hope you understand my decision."
He said that he was moving to ManU to "gain experience at a new club." Former German captain Philipp Lahm said, "We have to simply respect and
accept his decision. He's looking for a new challenge, but for me it's
an absolute pity he is going" (
BBC, 7/12).
