Basti leaves Reds for Chicago

BASTIAN Schweinsteiger has revealed he did not get the chance to properly say goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before signing for Chicago Fire.

The German's move to the Major League Soccer club was officially confirmed by United yesterday after the formality of his visa had been resolved.

Schweinsteiger's stay at Old Trafford ended last week after he agreed to join Chicago Fire on a one-year contract for a reported salary of around $4.5million (£3.6m).

But so rushed was the deal, he revealed he did not have the opportunity to bid farewell to the United players - who were busy preparing for their Premier League game away at Middlesbrough.

Speaking to the press on his unveiling, Schweinsteiger said: "It was not so easy because the decision was a bit late so I couldn't say a proper goodbye to the team.

"Also they had a match away so I couldn't really tell them because I didn't want the focus on me, I wanted to have the focus on the team and the game. So I was very happy that they won.

"I had a great time there, especially with the team-mates and the staff there, it was a good time and I enjoyed it there."

Schweinsteiger could make his debut for Chicago Fire - who finished last in the Eastern Conference last season, winning just seven of their 34 matches - this weekend when they face Montreal Impact at Toyota Park.