Bastian Schweinsteiger's arrival in Chicago was bonkers as fans flooded airport

Published Mar. 28, 2017 9:06 p.m. ET

Caitlin Murray

When the Chicago Fire signed Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger for a reported $4.5 million, some wondered whether the signing was worth the hype. But judging by Basti's arrival in Chicago on Tuesday, it seems plenty of fans are thrilled to welcome the German import.

O'Hare International Airport in Chicago was a madhouse as fans and journalists alike crowded the international arrivals terminal to catch a glimpse of the Fire's newest Designated Player. Take a look at the waiting crowd:

https://twitter.com/ChicagoFire/status/846867814501765120

That is a huge crowd and the scene got even more bonkers once Basti arrived and made his way through the airport.

The Fire have waited a while to sign someone of Schweinsteiger’s caliber. They were reportedly in the running for stars like Didier Drogba and Jermaine Jones, willing to put up the cash for both, but got beat out by other teams.

Now they've got Schweinsteiger on a one-year deal while he still has plenty to offer. It will be interesting to see how he lines up for Chicago because their central midfield is one of their stronger positions, but he certainly adds quality to the Fire roster.

Side note: Our sympathies to the travelers on Tuesday who got caught up in the hoopla since air travel can be annoying enough as it is. But it's not everyday a soccer superstar arrives to Chicago.

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