Bastian Schweinsteiger on way to England to finalise £15m Manchester United move from Bayern Munich as Louis van Gaal seals reunion with Germany international

• Bastian Schweinsteiger is flying to Manchester Airport ahead of move
• Schweinsteiger was accompanied by his girlfriend Ana Ivanovic 
• The Germany captain will undergo medical and agree personal terms 
• Manchester United will pay in the region of £15million for Schweinsteiger
• The 30-year-old is expected to travel to America with his new team-mates 

By Anthony Hay for MailOnline and Adam Shergold for MailOnline

Published: 10:02 EST, 12 July 2015 | Updated: 07:40 EST, 13 July 2015

Bastian Schweinsteiger will land at Manchester Airport to complete his £15m move to Manchester United from Bayern Munich on Sunday.

The Germany captain, who was accompanied by his girlfriend and tennis star Ana Ivanovic, will undergo a medical and agree personal terms before finalising a deal to join the Old Trafford outfit. 

Schweinsteiger is likely to be back in the air on Monday as Manchester United travel to America to take part in the International Champions Cup. 

Scroll down for video  

Bastian Schweinsteiger poses on a plane as he flies to Manchester Airport to complete a move to United

Schweinsteiger looks out the window as he reflects on the 'next chapter in his life at Manchester United'

Schweinsteiger and tennis star Ana Ivanovic make their way through Munich Airport before flight 

The 30-year-old, who has represented Bayern Munich throughout his professional career, recorded a personal message to explain his reasons behind the move. 

'Hi dear Bayern fans, and the South Stand in Munich,' Schweinsteiger said in a video posted on his official Facebook account. 'I know that has been a lot of speculation about my future in recent weeks and months and I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic time we spent together.

'It started in the Olympiastadion and continued into the Allianz Arena. It was a really fantastic time and we experienced some great moments with 15 national titles, including the historic treble and other highlights.

'We are always going to have a bond and I will keep you in my heart forever.

'I also want to thank all the employees at the Sabener Strasse (training ground) for the great time we had together - unfortunately I can't name everybody, but thanks for everybody, you helped me a great deal.

'I hope you, dear fans, understand that I have chosen this path now. I think it's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it, although I will never forget you.

'I will always hold you here [in my heart] and I hope we see each other again soon. Yours, Basti.'

And he added in a written statement: 'The decision was very hard to make because you and FCB have and always will be an extremely important part of my life.

'Nevertheless, I would like to again gain experience at a new club.

'My destination is Manchester United. I hope you understand my decision. No one can take away the incredible journey we had together.'

Bastian Schweinsteiger in emotive promo as he leaves Munich

The transfer to Old Trafford brings to a close Schweinsteiger's 17-year association with Bayern 

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the news at a press conference

He also tweeted: 'One last dream in my career come true. I am excited about the next chapter in my life with Manchester United.' 

Schweinsteiger's move to Manchester United was confirmed on Saturday afternoon by Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. 

Rummenigge said the German champions tried to convince the Germany captain to stay at the Allianz Arena but the 30-year-old felt the need for a new challenge.

He would not confirm the transfer fee though it is believed Bayern want at least £15m for a midfielder who has given them stellar service in the first team over the past 13 years.

Speaking at a press conference to unveil Bayern's summer signings, Rummenigge also found himself announcing a high profile departure.

Franck Ribery: Bayern team sad to see Schweinsteiger leave

Rummenigge did not reveal the transfer fee but it is believed to be in the region of £15million  

It is understood Schweinsteiger's relationship with Louis van Gaal was a major factor behind his decision

Rummenigge said: 'Bastian wants to do something new at the end of his career. He asked that we meet his wishes.

'My colleagues at Manchester United have been in touch. We have reached an agreement over a transfer.

'It's regrettable because Bastian meant a great deal to the club. He achieved great things.

'We say goodbye on great terms. 'I can only wish Bastian all the best. It will be an interesting new challenge for him. I am convinced that he will play well there.'

Reflecting on the player's legacy at Bayern, Rummenigge added: 'He has done great things here, he has won everything.

Schweinsteiger worked under United manager Van Gaal during the Dutchman's time at Bayern Munich

Schweinsteiger has taken to Facebook to record a personal message for Bayern Munich supporters 

'I suggest to him that we will give him a great farewell match in Munich when he finishes his career, whenever that will be. And when he stops, we will talk about whether there is a second career for him here at Bayern.' 

Schweinsteiger, who will become the first German player to play a competitive senior match for Manchester United, is set to seal a reunion with former Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal. 

Van Gaal coached the Germany international for two years during his spell at the club between 2009 and 2011.

A statement on United's official website said: 'Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, subject to a medical and personal terms.'

Manchester United confirmed the signing via their official Twitter account on Saturday afternoon

Bayern then tweeted out this tribute to Schweinsteiger shortly after the news was confirmed

Germany coach Joachim Low said the midfielder would thrive at United.

'Basti is an absolute leader and world-class player who can put his stamp on any team, including of course Manchester United,' he said on www.dfb.de.

'He knows Louis van Gaal, who wanted him unconditionally. I know from him that he still has big ambitions and goals.

'He will approach his new challenge in England like we all know him - with dedication and highly-motivated.

'For Bayern and the Bundesliga his departure is without question a loss.'

Schweinsteiger scored against Manchester United in a Champions League tie at Old Trafford in April 2014

The Bayern Munich midfielder will bring a wealth of experience to Old Trafford and is a World Cup winner

Bayern defender Philipp Lahm told Sport1 television: 'It's a pity that our paths are now dividing. We've been through so much together so it really is a shame.

'We played football together for the first time when we were 16. We're going to miss him.

'Anybody who knows him knows that he is always looking for challenges so we've got to accept his decision.'

Forward Thomas Muller, who has also been linked with a move to United, added: 'It's strange that Basti's gone. He's done sensationally for this club.

'He's not going to be forgotten in a rush. I wish him a lot of luck. This is how things work in football.'

Meanwhile, former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson described Schweinsteiger as 'top drawer' and a 'true leader of men' who can drive the Red Devils back to the top.

Robson, 58, told The Sun: 'Schweinsteiger is the kind of player and personality United have been short of.

Former Manchester United star Bryan Robson believes Schweinsteiger will improve the Red Devils

Robson believes Schweinsteiger (pictured in 2008) can play a similar role at United as Michael Carrick

'There is Michael Carrick, of course, who has that same experience and knowledge. When he was not playing last season, we saw that United were not the same team.

'Schweinsteiger is absolutely top drawer and his record and reputation speak for themselves.

'He is the kind of player that can lead United back to the very top.'

German newspaper Bild reported on Friday night that Schweinsteiger had agreed a three-year contract worth £7.2m-a-year with United.

Franck Ribery claims that the whole Bayern Munich team are sad to see the midfielder leave after 17 years

The move to Manchester ends a trophy-laden 17-year association with the Bavarian club, for whom Schweinsteiger made a total of 500 first-team appearances and scored 67 goals.

During his time at the Olympiastadion and the Allianz Arena, he won eight Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Schweinsteiger, who has been capped 111 times by Germany, was part of the team that lifted the World Cup in Brazil last year.

Manchester United forward Robin van Persie, on the other hand, has jetted out of Manchester Airport to sign for Turkish outfit Fenerbahce. 

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie poses in the cockpit of the private plane he will be taking to Turkey

Van Persie waves goodbye as he leaves Manchester Airport ahead of his unveiling as a Fenerbahce player

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