Schweinsteiger: Bayern were always Real Madrid's arch-rivals MLS - Chicago Fire MARCA sat down with the ex-Germany international

When Bayern Munich were at their best, they had the upper hand over Real Madrid, according to Bastian Schweinsteiger as he reflected upon his career.

The German is now in the United States with Chicago Fire, following a successful career in Europe with the Bavarian club and a less enjoyable spell at Manchester United.

Few players of such an elite level are as cordial and friendly as Schweinsteiger was when he sat down with MARCA for a one-hour interview after training in Madrid, where he is for two weeks to flee the frigid winter chill in Chicago.

How does a great world star fare in the US and MLS?

"My family are happy and that is the main thing for me. As a league, MLS is very open and anyone can win. It is unpredictable. I think that in 10 to 15 years it can be of the same level as some European leagues."

What should be improved?

"MLS is young. The big difference is the in America, unlike Europe, things are very limited with the salary cap but players are still coming. It is a league that is more physical the technical but tactically, it must be better. I really like that the attendance at the stadiums is higher than in France or Italy. They are always full."

Does coming from Europe compel you to perform better than the rest?

"Probably yes, but this is a team game. The opponents know who to cover. They aren't stupid, therefore the responsibility is shared."

Are you learning something new in the MLS?

"Tactical things like how to move the players in the squad or how to damage the opposition."

You always fought for titles at Bayern, United and Germany. Now, not so much...

"I always play to win. Last year, we reached the semi-final of the Cup. This season, we hope to beat the big teams. We have a mentality similar to that of Atletico: being passionate, aggressive and making the opponents uncomfortable."

You are very popular in Europe. Can you have a normal life in the USA?

"It is easier to take a walk on the street but don't forget that Chicago is a big sports city with many fans. But yes, it is easier to take a stroll on the street."

Can you go to the supermarket, for example?

"Yes, I can. I'm not so much in the focus of people and that's also why we chose the United States. But it is the same for anywhere... if you want to be calm, there are always places to go."

Which foreigner has most captured your attention in MLS?

"[Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Wayne] Rooney... and it is a pity that David Villa is gone. He was the best forward in the league and I was surprised that he went to Japan. That's wasn't good news for MLS. Whenever we crossed paths, we talked for a while. In MLS, the experienced players can combine their football well with a good quality of life."

How do the media treat things?

"The differences with Europe is very noticeable. If there is a bad refereeing decision, the US media don't talk about that for a week. Here, it is another story."

Will you ever return to Bayern Munich?

"As a player? [laughs]"

No...

"Everything is possible but right now, I still see myself as a player on the field and then we'll see. I will visit the team whenever I can. I don't know what will happen in the future."

What do you remember about your epic matches against Madrid?

"I remember perfectly the first time, in 2003, at the Bernabeu. I came on in the second half and played against [Zinedine] Zidane, who scored a good goal five minutes later. They won 1-0. Playing against Zizou helped me a lot later because I watched how he moved and protected the ball. It was impossible to replicate it though, yet I did learn a lot from those things."

Madrid always feared that team.

"Yes, we were their arch-rivals. People liked to see that rivalry between two greats and we respected each other a lot. We won and lost but I enjoyed playing in Madrid."

Which Real opponent was toughest to stop?

"I always appreciated the game of Angel Di Maria. I remember the semi-final we lost 4-0 at home. He was the best, so difficult to stop."

Who was the Spaniard of your generation who most impressed you?

"Of those before, it would be Raul, Guti or Fernando Hierro. Of the latest Barcelona and Spain cycle, I'd say Xavi Hernandez or Sergio Ramos, of course."

You played in seven major tournaments with Germany and reached six semi-finals. One was won by Spain [2010 World Cup] as well as the Euro 2008 final.

"We didn't play our best games, starting with the Vienna final. At that time, Spain had 15 players of an extraordinary level. We didn't have that many. It wasn't easy to beat La Roja."

What do you remember about the World Cup semi-final of 2010?

"That [Carles] Puyol goal... we had our chances in the second half, I remember it well but in football, sometimes you need luck in the small details. In general, at that time, Spain almost always deserved to win. His style was amazing and I accept that they were better."

Could you ever have signed for a Spanish team?

"When some teammates of mine anger that question, they name two or three teams they could have gone to but I don't like it. It is something that should be between players and clubs. It doesn't seem right."

What do you think about the current situation at United?

"It is a great club. I had a great first year there and we won the FA Cup, even though I got injured. From the beginning, the second one wasn't so good. I wasn't playing too much and decided to go to Chicago. United will be great again. I wish them well."

Are they among the Champions League favourites?

"I think there are others who are up there: Barcelona, Bayern, Real Madrid and Juventus."

The final is at Atletico's stadium...

"I like the mentality of that team: how they live the game, how they fight as a united team. It is very interesting to watch them. I was recently at the Wanda. They have evolved a lot but my four favourites for the Champions League are those I mentioned."

Will you coach in the future? What do you think?

"I don't see myself in that role. Coaches end up everywhere no matter who you are. But you never know what the future will bring."