Bastian Schweinsteiger Re-Signs With Chicago Fire

CHICAGO, IL — German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will return to the Chicago Fire for a second season. The team announced Wednesday night that the veteran star has signed a new one-year contract with the team.

Schweinsteiger, 33, signed with the Fire in March 2017 and appeared in 24 of the team's 34 regular season matches. He scored three goals, tallied six assists and captained the MLS All-Star Team.

“I am very happy to re-sign with the Chicago Fire, and to continue what we started in 2017,” Schweinsteiger said. “Last year was a special moment for my career, but it felt incomplete without a trophy."

Last year, Schweinsteiger signed a one-year contract for $4.5 million as a designated player for the team. The terms of his new contract have not been disclosed. Although the contract negotiations reportedly included a possible club option for 2019, the Chicago Tribune reports no option was included in the final deal.

"I love this city, this sport, and winning, so I look forward to another season with the Fire as we progress to hopefully another level of success," he said.

The German's arrival coincided with the team's second playoff appearance since 2009. On both occasions the team was knocked out in its first game.

“It was a priority to re-sign Bastian and we’re pleased that he will remain with the club,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez.

As a winner of the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2013, the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and eight German league titles, Schweinsteiger is among the most internationally recognized players to have ever donned a Chicago Fire jersey.

“He’s a proven winner who was an integral part of our success in 2017. Bastian’s talent combined with his character and qualities off the field are vital to our squad as we continue to build a championship program.”

Rodriguez is expected to further discuss the issue during a conference call with reporters Thursday morning.

Last week, the club announced it had signed a two-year contract extension with another All-Star midfielder, Dax McCarty, whose presence alongside Schweinsteiger provided a backbone for many of the team's 2017 successes.

"Although the year did not end how any of us would have liked, I believe we’re on course to becoming a perennial contender for trophies like Fire teams of old," McCarty said.

The Chicago Fire's season begins March 10 against Sporting Kansas City at Toyota Park.

Read the complete open letter from Bastian Schweinsteiger:

I will always remember my arrival to Chicago as well as my first great season with the Fire. My exciting American journey began in March 2017. From the first day on, it more than matched my dreams.

After I walked through the doors, it was an incredible sight on my arrival at the Chicago airport – a huge crowd of supporters welcoming me to the city. They chanted and sang. I could feel that this was going to be a special experience.

That burst of support upon my arrival never seemed to stop. In fact, it grew. Whether we played at home or on the road, I must thank all of the fans who came to see our team play.

The feeling was the same when Ana and I were away from the field: absolutely welcoming and friendly. We felt as if we had found a new home in the city of sport.

I chose Chicago Fire because I wanted the challenge. I believed in the club’s plans and felt in harmony with its values. I wanted to help grow soccer in the city, in North America, and even more – to help restore glory to the club.

Last season had some high moments, and also some that maybe did not go the way we all hoped. Our team reached an important milestone by returning to the playoffs. However, our year ended without a trophy, and so it felt incomplete. As a sportsman I can not accept this but with the great support of our fans, I am sure we can create another great season.

I love this city. I love this sport. And I love winning. And so, it is with great happiness that I announce my return to the Chicago Fire in 2018. I look forward to another year with my teammates, the staff and, of course, our great fans.

It’s time to get back to work.

_{Top photo: Bastian Schweinsteiger, after scoring during the penalty shoot-out of a U.S. Open Cup soccer match against FC Cincinnati, Wednesday, June 28, 2017, in Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati won 3-1 on penalty kicks. (AP Photo | John Minchillo | Associated Press)}