Bastian Schweinsteiger’s time at Manchester United hasn’t panned out quite how he might have planned.
The German international joined in summer 2015, linking up with his former Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal, and made one or two important contributions in an injury-hit first season.
But the arrival of Jose Mourinho has seen the 32-year-old frozen out, and many anticipate him to be left out of the 25-man Premier League squad when the time comes.
There’s not a lot the former Bayern man can do about the situation, and while his brother Tobi seemed to take a sly dig at Mourinho, Basti has remained classy throughout.
Some expected him to return to Bavaria – or even move to Celtic, but his latest statement suggests he will attempt to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.
A brief message to the amazing fans about my current situation. @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/Rf3jLKNwK4
— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) August 24, 2016
The response to his claim that United will be his ‘last club in Europe’ has been mixed.
Many have praised his matter-of-fact approach to the changing situation at the club, where he suddenly finds himself as a backup to Marouane Fellaini.
https://twitter.com/Carly22GB/status/768405510555045888
https://twitter.com/SemperFiUnited/status/768407461745143810
Others, however, are less than pleased to see him ‘pull a Winston Bogarde’ and quietly collect his money without setting foot on the pitch.
https://twitter.com/VintageYanited/status/768407482670669825
Schweinsteiger staying at Utd as he is refusing to leave, well sitting in the stands on £180,000 a week is easy money
— Nick Morris (@Nickmorris69) August 23, 2016
Though not everyone begrudges him this
https://twitter.com/Oli_Row/status/768409542694756352
Take note, though. Schweinsteiger said United would be his last club in Europe, not his last club full stop.
https://twitter.com/thechicoazul/status/768406001540358144
https://twitter.com/RedTalking/status/768410745340063744
Schweinsteiger should just look for Chinese club or better still MLs
— i am OJB (@williamsobinna) August 24, 2016
Who knows, maybe he’s off to the NFL as a kicker
https://twitter.com/Beardamendi/status/749365730169282560
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