Schweinsteiger thanks Manchester United: 'I will never forget my time'

Bastian Schweinsteiger is done being just an option for Jose Mourinho, as the German midfielder will be hanging around the John Hancock Center instead of the Northern Quarter after the Chicago Fire, Manchester United, and the player agreed to a deal.

But if Schweinsteiger holds any ill will for how things unfolded at Old Trafford, it doesn't show.

Related: Chicago Fire acquire Bastian Schweinsteiger from Manchester United

On Tuesday, Schweinsteiger expressed sadness at leaving United and made sure to thank the Red Devils' supporters, saying: "I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United. But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire.

"I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players, and staff here and wish them all the best in the future. But I have to reserve thanks to the United fans - whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester.

"I was delighted to be part of the squad that won the FA Cup for them last season and will always remember their energy and their passion. Now is the right time for me to start a new chapter in Chicago and I am looking forward to it.

Schweinsteiger also thanked United's supporters via Twitter, declaring: "I really wish that I could have done more for you, but it was time for me to make a change. Thank you especially for your amazing support during my time at the club. I will never forget it. Having been part of the team which won last year the FA Cup, this makes me very proud."

Schweinstiger joined United from Bayern Munich in July 2015 for a reported transfer fee of £14.4 million. He moved to the United Kingdom as part of Louis van Gaal's reshaping of the Red Devils, but, under Mourinho, the player didn't make a single Premier League appearance.