Bastian Schweinsteiger was back at Allianz Arena for the first time since leaving for Manchester United in July 2015 as Bayern Munich hosted his testimonial against Chicago Fire.
The German 34-year-old played the first half for his MLS club before taking up his place in the heart of midfield for Bayern, who ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.
Schweinsteiger is still adored in Bavaria having spent 17 years at the club, joining the Bayern academy at 13 before developing into a world-class operator for club and country.
Having spoken of his gratitude at being afforded a farewell at his boyhood side, Schweinsteiger and Chicago went into the break trailing by two goals.
Serge Gnabry’s deflected strike gave Bayern an early lead and Nico Kovac’s side doubled the advantage through Sandro Wagner.
Schweinsteiger, who made 500 appearances in all competitions for Bayern and won 26 major trophies, had the luxury of changing sides at the break.
And Bayern were soon three goals to the good with Arjen Robben capitalising on the ball bouncing around the box to fire in with the help of a deflection off Vincent.
But the biggest cheer of the night was still to come. Everyone packed inside Allianz Arena was desperate to see the man of the moment get on the scoresheet.
Their wish was granted late on as perfect cross from David Alaba picked out Schweinsteiger’s run perfectly and he applied a fine volleyed finish to cap off his memorable night and bid a fitting farewell to the home supporters.
