Schweinsteiger bids farewell to Bayern Munich: 'I will always hold you in my heart'

Manchester United-bound midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger bid an emotional farewell to Bayern Munich on Sunday, releasing a touching message for those who played a role in making the 13 years he spent at the German club "fantastic."

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"Hi, dear Bayern fans, and the South Stand in Munich," Schweinsteiger said in a Twitter video. "I know that (there) has been a lot of speculation about my future in recent weeks and months and I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic time we spent together.

"It started in the Olympiastadion and continued into the Allianz Arena. It was a really fantastic time and we experienced some great moments with 15 national titles, including the historic treble and other highlights.

"We are always going to have a bond and I will keep you in my heart forever."

The 30-year-old continued:

"I also want to thank all the employees at the Sabener Strasse (training ground) for the great time we had together - unfortunately I can't name everybody, but thanks for everybody, you helped me a great deal.

"I hope you, dear fans, understand that I have chosen this path now. I think it's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it, although I will never forget you.

"I will always hold you here (in my heart) and I hope we see each other again soon. Yours, Basti."

Schweinsteiger also sent out another, shorter message on his Twitter account Sunday, asking for understanding about his desire to experience life in a different country, for a different club.

- With translation from the Guardian