WATCH: Bastian Schweinsteiger Posts Emotional Goodbye Video To Manchester United Fans

It's official. Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his decision to leave Manchester United to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire and we're all asking the same question: "what could have been?"

Schweinsteiger struggled to break into the first team under both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho during his 18 month spell at Old Trafford, with many lambasting the club for its treatment of a certified legend of the game.

Bastian

Despite making only four appearances this season, the German midfielder is still a fan favourite and his latest act has cemented his status in the hearts of Manchester United fans around the world.

The 32-year-old posted an emotional goodbye message to Manchester United and his fans on social media this morning, announcing that he will join Chicago Fire.

Legend:

According to the Chicago Tribune Newspaper, Schweinsteiger has signed a one year deal, and will become one of the best paid players in the league subject to a medical and visa being granted.

He's set to land a £70,000-a-week contract, which will see him pocket a guaranteed £3.6 million in 2017.

And the ex-Bayern Munich star is relishing the opportunity to play in the States.

"I've always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great."

"My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and Pauno, I'm convinced by the club's vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.

While their general manager Nelson Rodriguez was ecstatic about acquiring his services, saying.

"We're adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values."

"We as a club will now be forced to hold ourselves to a higher standard, an accountability level. Previously, I think we could satisfy ourselves with what is known domestically. Now we need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally."

The World Cup winner was training with the under-23's side before eventually returning to the first team, albeit in the Europa League and EFL Cup.

A couple of cup appearances in November then saw him bag his first goal of the season netting against Reading in the FA Cup.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_