World-Cup-winning midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will leave Bayern München for English side Manchester United, as announced by club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge at a pre-season press conference on Saturday afternoon at the Allianz Arena.

"An agreement has been reached with Manchester, everything is resolved. Bastian wants to try something new at the end of his career, which I understand," said Rummenigge, who would not be drawn on revealing the terms of the transfer. "What I will say is that they are very fair for both sides," added the chairman.

"Basti is an outright leader and a world-class player who can make his mark on any team, and he definitely will at Manchester United," said Germany national manager Joachim Löw. "He also knows Louis van Gaal, who will have definitely wanted to sign him, so the signs look good from the start. I’m convinced that Basti will be successful in his new venture in the Premier League – I know that he still has great ambition. He’ll take on this new challenge in England just as we have known him: with commitment and motivation. I’m confident that it will give him another boost and a further incentive, especially with the European Championship in France on the horizon – we’ll be looking to him to lead the team at that tournament. His departure is without doubt a big loss for Bayern and for the Bundesliga."

"I can understand why Basti wanted to add a chapter in the Premier League to his already fantastic career," said DFB general manager Oliver Bierhoff. "Manchester United, like Bayern, is a club with worldwide appeal. The English fans can look forward to seeing someone like Basti, who is a very passionate player that will fit in straight away. I always think players gaining experience abroad is a very positive thing – seeing things from a different perspective always helps you develop, not only as a footballer but as a person too. The fact that Basti is willing to make this change shows his drive, and that he still wants to achieve great things."

Schweinsteiger spent 17 years at Bayern and is expected to sign a three-year-deal until 2018 with the most successful English side in history. The Germany captain’s contract with Bayern München was initially meant to run until June of next year. At Manchester United, the midfielder will be reunited with former-Bayern coach Louis van Gaal.