Manchester United allows Bastian Schweinsteiger to join Chicago Fire

The Manchester United has given the green light this Tuesday to German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger's move to Chicago Fire, of the US Major League Soccer (MLS).

Schweinsteiger, 32, reached an agreement with the Fire on Monday, and the signing, initially for one season with a salary of £70,000 per week, will be finalized once he passes the relevant medical examination and receives the work visa.

"Bastian Schweinsteiger is about to join the Chicago Fire after Manchester United and the player reached an agreement," the English club reported in a statement.

The German midfielder arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2015 from Bayern Munich for £14.5 million under the former coach Louis van Gaal.

After being close to the Fire at the beginning of the season, when he realized he had no future with José Mourinho, the player started training with the first team. His first start in a year came in an FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic in January, and until his departure, he had played four matches in all competitions this season, although none in the Premier League.

"I am very sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United. However, I am very grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to face this challenge," Schweinsteiger said in a statement on the team's website.

"I have enjoyed playing under the coach, with the teammates and with the coaching staff, but I reserve a special thanks for the fans. I will always remember their energy and passion," said the former German international.

"I am delighted to have been part of the team that won the FA Cup. This is the right time to start a new chapter in Chicago and I am looking forward to it," he concluded.