adminBERLIN. — Bayern Munich skipper Philipp Lahm says it is an “absolute pity” that Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is joining Manchester United after undergoing a medical yesterday.
Bayern announced on Saturday that they had agreed a transfer fee with United for the 30-year-old defensive midfielder, who is set to quit after 17 years, to sign a three-year deal with the English club.
According to both the German and UK media, United will pay Bayern around £14 million and will see Schweinsteiger work again under former Bayern handler and presently Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
The English giants are reported to be eager to complete the deal soon so that Schweinsteiger can join them when they fly out on their North American tour today.
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 Lahm. 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. — AFP.
Online Reporter