BAYERN MUNICH legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a saga similar to that of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2011.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid in June when his Anfield contract expires and is expected to sign a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000 per week.
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This comes after months of intense speculation regarding the full-back’s future that even led to a section of the Reds’ faithful booing him at times claiming his mind was focused on Real.
Schweinsteiger, 40, faced the same debacle 14 years ago when his Bayern contract was coming to an end.
Just like Alexander-Arnold, he also came out of his esteemed club’s academy and was adored by fans as one of their own.
The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and – funnily enough – Real all tried to take advantage of the situation and lure the then Germany international.
And after a 3-0 victory over St Pauli on January 2, 2011, the German took the microphone from the stadium announcer to speak to the live crowd at the Allianz Arena.
Schweinsteiger was met with a chorus of boos from the Bayern faithful, who thought he was about to announce his imminent departure.
However, the crowd was swerved as the fan favourite instead confirmed he had signed a new contract.
Schweinsteiger said: “I’ve been playing here at FC Bayern Munich for 12 years now.
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“And I wanted to tell you, I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!”
Schweinsteiger spent another four years with Bayern where he amassed 500 appearances and won every title available until his departure for Man Utd.
It’s not too late for Alexander-Arnold to deliver a similar swerve to Liverpool fans as nothing has been finalised yet.
However, the latest reports indicate that the Enland international is closer to an exit than he is to a new contract with Arne Slot’s side.
Liverpool are also at risk of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season as their deals also run out in three months.
