BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER
The German captain ended a 13-year stint with Bayern Munich and moved to Old Trafford on a three-year contract for a fee of 14.4 million pounds.
I didn’t take the decision to leave lightly. Manchester United is the only club that I would have left Munich for. I feel ready for this new and exciting challenge in what I regard as the most competitive league in the world and I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal again.
– Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger made 536 appearances for Bayern since his debut in 2002, after coming through the youth ranks. He also won seven German Cups and the Champions League in 2013.
IKER CASILLAS
A teary farewell speech and Iker Casillas ended a Real Madrid career that spanned over 16 seasons... or 25, if you consider the years the Spanish international spent in their youth academy as well.
This club also moulded me as a person and helped me to grow. Beyond remembering me as a good goalkeeper or a bad goalkeeper I just hope that people remember me for being a good person.
– Iker Casillas
The 34-year-old moved to Porto on a free transfer after making 725 appearances for Real in which he has won three Champions Leagues titles.
RAHEEM STERLING
Raheem Sterling became the most expensive English footballer transfer ever after joining Manchester City on a five-year deal from rivals Liverpool in a move costing 49 million pounds ($76 million).
The thing that excites me the most is the world-class squad we have and knowing we have a team that is capable of winning things year in, year out.
– Raheem Sterling
The 20-year-old immediately made an impact on his Manchester City debut, scoring in the third minute of the team’s penalty shootout win over AS Roma in a pre-season friendly.
PETR CECH
The Czech Republic goalkeeper ended a successful 11-year stint at reigning Premier League champions Chelsea, with a move to Arsenal.
The 33-year-old made the switch on a “long-term contract” for a fee reported to be worth around 11 million pounds.
I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career. When (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear.
– Petr Cech
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
Fenerbahce completed the signing of Dutch striker Robin van Persie from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. In Turkey, the 31-year-old Netherlands striker joined his former United teammate Nani, who also signed for the 19-time Turkish champions in this window.
I promise you one thing, I will do everything in my power to help Fenerbahce win as many trophies to make you happy. Let’s do it together.
– Robin van Persie
van Persie joined United from Arsenal for 24 million pounds ($36.9 million) in 2012 and finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer in his debut season as the Old Trafford side won the title. But Van Persie scored only 10 goals in 29 appearances last season after struggling for form and fitness.
MAJOR LEAGUE STARS
The 2013-14 season also marked the en masse exit of ageing European football stars to the greener pastures of Major League Soccer in America.
37-year-old Frank Lampard signed for New York City FC from Chelsea in July 2014 but spent last season on loan at Manchester City. Currently out of action due to injury, he’s expected to make his debut this weekend in the game against Orlando City.
Two more big signings by the new MLS club - Spaniard David Villa, who’s already made a goal scoring start to his stint, and Italy’s Andrea Pirlo, who is also expected to make his debut this weekend.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard moved to LA Galaxy and scored on his debut against San Jose Earthquakes.
The 35-year-old midfielder joined the Galaxy after playing his entire 17-season career with English Premier League side Liverpool.
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