Supporters have reacted angrily to the decision to let the Germany international leave but the Catalan says the club had no other option

Pep Guardiola insists that Bayern Munich are not to blame for Bastian Schweinsteiger's departure, revealing that the midfielder's move to Manchester United was a "personal decision" driven by a desire to experience something different.

Schweinsteiger's £12 million (€16.75m) transfer to Old Trafford was confirmed on Saturday, thus bringing an end to the Germany international's 17-year association with the Bavarians.

Bayern's fans have already voiced their disapproval of the deal but Guardiola has argued that the club were left with no other option but to allow the World Cup winner to leave, explaining that the 30-year-old felt that it was time for a change of scenery.

"It was a big honour for me to be his manager," the FCB coach told reporters at the Telekom Cup in Monchengladbach.

"We talked prior to the season and I said: 'You decide, Basti'.

"It was Bastian's personal decision. He wants to have this experience.

"But many, many thanks to Basti."

Schweinsteiger has struggled for both form and fitness in recent seasons and he was not considered a certain starter during his final season at the Allianz Arena.

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