Schweinsteiger: I was close to leaving Bayern in 2008

Jan 24, 2013 1:55:00 PM

The influential midfielder has admitted that he could have said farewell to the Allianz Arena a few years ago, and failed to rule out a move abroad in the future

Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed that he was close to leaving Bayern Munich for another top European club in the summer of 2008, and has again hinted at a move abroad at some point in the future.

The Germany international recently already admitted that playing in another competition than the Bundesliga once his current deal expires could be a tempting prospect, and he has once more said he would be open to leaving Germany.

"I was close to a transfer in the summer of 2008. I could have joined an international top club," Schweinsteiger told Playboy.

"I have an ongoing contract with Bayern and intend to fulfil it. However, a move abroad remains tempting, and you never know what happens."

Schweinsteiger, 28, has a contract with the Bundesliga leaders until June 2016.