As of: January 20, 2024, 5:05 a.m
By: Christoph Klaucke
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Bastian Schweinsteiger reveals a personal conversation with Franz Beckenbauer.
The former Bayern player got important advice before moving to the USA.
Munich – Bastian Schweinsteiger and Franz Beckenbauer have one thing in common: The two world champions are not only icons of their club FC Bayern, but also sought the adventure of America at the end of their careers.
Schweinsteiger followed Kaiser's example and spent his final professional years in the USA - following Beckenbauer's advice.
Schweinsteiger follows in Beckenbauer's footsteps: Moves to the USA
Bastian Schweinsteiger won everything there is to win with Bayern, and with the German national team he finally made himself immortal as Rio World Champion.
What comes next?
Schweini wanted to break out of his comfort zone and try something new.
“After the 2014 World Cup, I began to think more intensely that I would like to go to the USA,” writes Schweinsteiger in
Sport Bild
.
The former midfielder initially moved to Manchester United in the Premier League in the summer of 2015 after 17 years at FC Bayern.
The USA dream lived on in Schweinsteiger but also in England, in which Beckenbauer probably played a large part.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (r.) and Franz Beckenbauer at an event in 2012. A few years later, the former Bayern player sought advice from the Kaiser.
© Sammy Minkoff/Imago
Schweinsteiger followed Beckenbauer's advice when making an important career decision
Schweinsteiger sought advice from the Kaiser: “The opportunity arose that I could speak to Franz Beckenbauer alone for a moment and ask him about his time at Cosmos New York.
Franz raved to me at length and said it was probably the best time in his life and that I should definitely do it too.”
In 1977, after almost twenty years at FC Bayern, the libero moved to Cosmos in New York, where Beckenbauer was able to lead a carefree life with the sports photographer Diana Sandmann, far away from the German public.
“In America he was actually able to live like a free person for the first time,” explained Sandmann, who had a relationship with Beckenbauer until 1988.
Giesinger always raved about how he was able to walk along Fifth Avenue unrecognized.
After a two-year return to Hamburger SV in Germany, Beckenbauer played for Cosmos for another year from 1982 until the end of his career.
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The move to the USA was also a blessing for Schweinsteiger, although one MLS expert made a harsh judgment.
In March 2017 he moved to Chicago Fire.
During this time, the Kolbermoor native had two children with his wife Ana Ivanovic, and Schweinsteiger recently became a father again.
“In retrospect, I have to say that my three years in the MLS with Chicago Fire were one of the best times for me and my family.
“Franz was absolutely right,” the 39-year-old looks back with satisfaction and at the same time thanks Beckenbauer, who gave him valuable tips on this important career decision.
Schweinsteiger recently wished Beckenbauer “above all health”
Franz Beckenbauer died on January 7, 2024 at the age of 78.
After a long illness, Beckenbauer, who could hardly speak at the end, was apparently relieved.
“Thank you for everything, Emperor – I will never forget you!
Rest in peace, Franz,” mourned Schweinsteiger, who is on the guest list at Franz Beckenbauer’s farewell in the Allianz Arena.
Just a few months ago, Schweinsteiger wished Beckenbauer his birthday: “Above all, health.”
Unfortunately, these were no longer fulfilled.
(ck)