Bastian Schweinsteiger will be back for a second season in Major League Soccer (photo credit: David Chant)
It was one signing that the Fire needed to make and they made it official on Wednesday night. The Fire re-signed midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger as a Designated Player for the 2018 season.
Schweinsteiger wrote a letter which is on the club website expressing his love for Chicago and the wonderful experience he had in the city last season, but also said it felt ‘incomplete’ without a trophy.
“I am very happy to re-sign with the Chicago Fire, and to continue what we started in 2017,” Schweinsteiger said. “Last year was a special moment for my career, but it felt incomplete without a trophy. But I am sure we can create another memorable season with the support of our great fans. I love this city, this sport, and winning, so I look forward to another season with the Fire as we progress to hopefully another level of success.”
Schweinsteiger joined the Fire on March 21st of last year after being released from Manchester United. On April 1st, he scored on his debut with the Fire against the Montreal Impact. Schweinsteiger added two more goals and six assists before a thigh injury sidelined him for the final seven matches of the regular season. Schweinsteiger did return for the Fire’s playoff match against New York Red Bulls as a substitute.
Basti will also become a father in a few months as wife Ana Ivanovic is expecting.
“It was a priority to re-sign Bastian and we’re pleased that he will remain with the club,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “He’s a proven winner who was an integral part of our success in 2017. Bastian’s talent combined with his character and qualities off the field are vital to our squad as we continue to build a championship program.”
Rodriguez will have a conference call with the media on Thursday at 11am CT.
Re-signing Schweinsteiger was a must for the Fire to keep up the good will that was built last season. Now that it has happened, the task is to build around him and compliment players like Nemanja Nikolic, David Accam, and Dax McCarty.
