Chicago Fire Sign Bastian Schweinsteiger from Manchester United, Continue MLS Reputation as Retirement League

Perception turned into reality for MLS when 32-year-old Bastian Schweinsteiger announced he was leaving Manchester United to join the Chicago Fire.

The deal is a one-year, Designated Player contract worth $4.5 million guaranteed, and for a player who hasn’t been able to stay healthy and on the pitch, it’s a pretty big gamble for the Fire.

Thanks to all fans, the whole staff and my teammates of @ManUtd! I will never forget my time with the club, but now it’s time for a change! pic.twitter.com/zYn2o5Cjsk

— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) March 21, 2017

But that’s nothing new for MLS teams, which many European squads have called the retirement league for over-the-hill players.

And judging by this signing, that sentiment has only been further reinforced.