MLS 'an option' for Schweinsteiger

Speaking to reporters in Düsseldorf on Tuesday, Bastian Schweinsteiger, who announced last month that he was retiring from international football, has stated that he still hoped for an opportunity to show Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho that he could still contribute on the field.

"It would be an absolute dream to play for Manchester United," the 32-year-old Schweinsteiger said. "I hope that I will get a fair chance. I believe in my abilities."

Schweinsteiger reiterated his stated intention not to transfer to another team in Europe, saying he had had a "respectful" discussion with Mourinho, who has dropped him from the first team at the Premier League club. He also said he was prepared to be patient.

"Now one just has to wait and see how things go in September and October, and what might develop," he said. At the same time he conceded that a move to Major League Soccer was "an option," but he also noted that this could not happen before 2017 as the North American league's transfer window had already closed.

The only sure thing, he said, was that he would not retire as a player as a result of his situation at United.

Bastian Schweinsteiger announced late last month that he had decided to retire from international football just over 12 years after he made his debut - a 2-0 defeat against Hungary in Kaiserslautern on June 6, 2004. He took part in seven major international tournaments, including an inspired performance as Germany beat Argentina in the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Having been dogged by knee injuries over the past year, he played a limited role at this summer's European championship in France.

He is to play his 121st and final match for Germany when he takes to the pitch in a friendly against Finland in Mönchengladbach on Wednesday.