Bastian Schweinsteiger is mobbed by fans and media as the former Manchester United star arrives in the USA with wife Ana Ivanovic to start life in MLS with Chicago Fire

Bastian Schweinsteiger was mobbed by media and doting fans as he arrived in Chicago to begin his MLS career.

The German, who cut short his time at Manchester United to join Chicago Fire, was submerged in a scrum of reporters and supporters after touching down in the Windy City on Tuesday. 

Earlier, he and wife Ana Ivanovic posed with their passports in a touching Instagram post. 

Bastian Schweinsteiger was mobbed by fans and media after arriving in Chicago

Bastian Schweinsteiger was mobbed by fans and media after arriving in Chicago

Schweinsteiger waves to the vast crowds as he touches down at O'Hare Airport in Chicago

Schweinsteiger waves to the vast crowds as he touches down at O'Hare Airport in Chicago

The former Manchester United man posed for selfies with fans of his new MLS franchise

The former Manchester United man posed for selfies with fans of his new MLS franchise

Schweinsteiger took time to sign autographs for many of the waiting supporters

Schweinsteiger took time to sign autographs for many of the waiting supporters

Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic pose with their passports on their way to Chicago

Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic pose with their passports on their way to Chicago

Ivanovic posted this picture to Instagram with the caption 'Chicago here we come!!!'

Ivanovic posted this picture to Instagram with the caption 'Chicago here we come!!!'

The Major League Soccer franchise announced a deal had been agreed with Manchester United to sign the midfielder last Tuesday, but he was forced to wait for a work permit to be granted before he could travel across the pond.


That minor hurdle now appears to be cleared after he declared on Instagram: 'On my way to Chicago with @anaivanovic!' 

The 32-year-old donned a wide smile alongside the former world No 1 tennis player while they both held up their passports and boarding passes. Now retired after a career blighted by injury, it seems as though Ivanovic will be joining him in the Windy City.

Schweinsteiger brings an end to an 18-month stay at Old Trafford which he, on the face of it, would probably rather forget. His first year under Louis van Gaal was limited by fitness issues before Jose Mourinho made it clear he would not be part of his plans.

His professionalism later saw him win the Portuguese's favour and make one start in the FA Cup; it was still clear, however, that he would never be first-choice. A move to the MLS seems to be have been a fitting resolution. 

An autograph hunter is satisfied as Bastian Schweinsteiger arrived in Chicago on Tuesday

Another autograph hunter is satisfied as Schweinsteiger arrived in Chicago on Tuesday

The 32-year-old is escorted through the airport and away from the adoring crowds

The 32-year-old is escorted through the airport and away from the adoring crowds

The German midfielder wore a club scarf alongside Chicago's team doctor Joshua Blomgren 

The German midfielder wore a club scarf alongside Chicago's team doctor Joshua Blomgren 

Having trained with Spanish side Real Mallorca in his week of flux, Schweinsteiger may well be fighting fit to make his debut for the Fire in their game against Montreal Impact this Saturday.

The World Cup winner joins a side that have won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three MLS matches, leaving them seventh in the Eastern Conference.

He will earn a guaranteed £3.5million from his one-year contract with Chicago Fire, which represents a 50 per cent cut from the £130,000-a-week he enjoyed at Manchester United.

Schweinsteiger (right) had found himself out of favour at United under Jose Mourinho

Schweinsteiger (right) had found himself out of favour at United under Jose Mourinho

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