Bastian Schweinsteiger confirmed on Sunday he will quit Bayern Munich for Manchester United, subject to a medical, as the German champions lost their first pre-season tournament without him.
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.
Schweinsteiger tweeted a picture of himself on a plane on Sunday with the caption: “One last dream in my career will come true. I’m excited about the next chapter in my career with Manchester United”.
“Dear fans, after 17 incredible years at FC Bayern, 15 national titles, winning the historical triple and uncountable other highlights, I have decided to take a new career step,” wrote Schweinsteiger on his Facebook page.
“This decision was very hard to make because you and FC Bayern have, are and will always be an extremely important part of my life.
“Nevertheless, I would like to again gain experience at a new club and my destination is Manchester United.
“I hope you understand my decision. No one can take away the incredible journey we had together.”
He will be the first German to play for United.
According to both the German and UK media, United will pay Bayern around £14m (19.47m euros, $21.72m) and will see Schweinsteiger work again under former Bayern coach and present 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 on Monday and he was due to have a medical on Sunday.
