SCHWEINSTEIGER WON’T GIVE UP HIS MANCHESTER UNITED DREAM

Ahead of his final Germany appearance, Bastian Schweinsteiger said Tuesday he will not give up on his dream of playing again for Manchester United despite his exile by Jose Mourinho.

Germany’s friendly against Finland in Moenchengladbach on Wednesday doubles as Schweinsteiger’s farewell on his 121st and final international appearance when he will captain die Mannschaft for the last time.

The 32-year-old, who left Bayern Munich for Manchester in 2015, has a United-contract running until 2018, but new coach Mourinho banished him to the Under-23 team early this month, insisting the soon-to-be ex-Germany captain is not in his plans.

Schweinsteiger says he will keep waiting for his chance at Old Trafford and insisted that he has ‘no problem’ with Mourinho.

“My absolute dream would be to play for Manchester United and help them reach their goals,” said Schweinsteiger at a German FA (DFB) press conference in Duesseldorf.

“I have had conversations (with the club) and I have no problem with Jose Mourinho, he has explained the situation to me from his perspective.

“The transfer window has already closed (in the MLS), so there’s nothing there,” said Schweinsteiger. “My dream remains to play for Manchester United.

“Mourinho showered (the 34-yearold Zlatan) Ibrahimovic with praise for still playing and if I get a fair chance, I believe in my abilities.

“It would be a dream to once more show the (Man Utd) fans what I can do.

“In the last year, things went well (at Man Utd) until I was banned (from the first-team).

“We have to see how the situation goes, but of course the USA is an option.” Schweinsteiger says he is not letting the situation at Old Trafford get him down and that he has experienced worst moments in his career.

“I believe that things are good with me, despite the current situation,” he said.

“I am looking forward to the evening,” he said.

“I know that the stadium perhaps won’t be full, but I will be pleased to see every fan who comes to the game, the atmosphere and singing the national anthem.

“I don’t know how many minutes I’ll be able to play.

“I haven’t played a game yet (this season), so I don’t know how the lungs will hold up.”

Loew has said he will only name Schweinsteiger’s replacement as Germany captain after the Finland international.

Bayern trio Manuel Neuer, who was skipper for five of their six Euro 2016 matches, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Mueller are all vying for the armband with Neuer as the favourite.