Chicago Fire's Bastian Schweinsteiger excited for Bayern Munich farewell

Chicago Fire star Bastian Schweinsteiger is looking forward to being back with former club Bayern Munich for histestimonial match with the club in August, he has told kicker.

Bayern are set to host the Fire at the Allianz Arena on Aug. 28 as the former Germany captain, who will play a half for both teams, bids a final farewell to fans and the club at which he spent 17 years before joining Manchester United in 2015.

"I'm really looking forward to playing once again at the Allianz Arena against Bayern, to meet the bosses and of course to see the fans," Schweinsteiger said.

"In 2015, I couldn't really say goodbye so I'm looking forward to it now even more.

"It's also great for Chicago Fire, the whole club is looking forward to the trip to Munich."

Chicago currentlysits eighth in the Eastern Conference table after a 2-1 defeat of San Jose on Saturday. The Fire finished third in the conference last season, Schweinsteiger's first in MLS.

Asked to assess the season so far, Schweinsteiger, a 2014 World Cup champion, said:"We are making progress and our coach is especially doing a great job.

"Veljko Paunovic is a really good coach. I wouldn't be surprised if one or two clubs take an interest in him in a few years time. It's great fun working with him and the club and is taking the right steps forward."

Schweinsteiger, who leads the teams in assists with five, spoke about his role inPaunovic's team.

"In Chicago, I'm trying to help my teammates with decisions on and off the pitch," he said. "I am trying to use my experience so that we can all enjoy our football even more and become more successful."

ESPN FC's Bayern Munich correspondent Mark Lovell contributed to this report.