How big a deal is Bastian Schweinsteiger in Chicago right now?
Well, let's just say he's big enough to pull in the top media outlets to his introductory press conference, even if covering soccer isn't exactly what they do.
Schweinsteiger draws huge crowd at airport
As the Fire introduced the German World Cup and Champions League winner as the newest member of their club, he was treated to a question he really wasn't sure how to deal with.
"I wonder, with your addition to this team, is it a fair expectation to see a clear pathway towards a World Cup competition to come out of Chicago?" a reporter asked.
First, the wording is a little curious and there's room for some ambiguity, there. The midfielder simply looked confused and turned to Fire boss Veljko Paunovic for some clarity. After discusions on stage lead them to believe he was being asked about the Club World Cup, the German seemed ready to answer.
Getty ImagesHowever, wanting to make sure the question was clear, the reporter rephrased.
"Do you expect now that you're here, Bastian, that a World Cup goal for Chicago Fire is a realisitic expectation?"
Schweinsteiger handled it all with class, aside from a hearty chuckle, letting club general manager Nelson Rodriguez explain that the Fire do not compete for the World Cup before going on to answer a question - posed by Rodriguez - about MLS Cup expectations.
"I think in football everything is realistic and I always believe in the team which I play for that you can win the game," the German said. "Even if it is against the best team in the world, you have a chance to win. I experienced it a lot in my career that everything is possible."
Everything, that is, aside from winning the World Cup with a club team.