The clause that Bastian Schweinsteiger had at Man United that prohibited him from speaking

Bastian Schweinsteiger's time at Manchester United was marked by controversy, particularly due to a contractual clause that limited his freedom of speech. The website Football Leaks revealed details of the German player's contract, exposing a situation that generated debate in the football world.

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A Difficult Spell in the Premier League

Schweinsteiger, who arrived from Bayern Munich, came to the Premier League with high expectations. However, his two seasons at Manchester United were far from successful. Injuries and managerial decisions relegated him to a secondary role, leading to frustration for the player.

The "Silence Clause": A Restrictive Contract

Football Leaks, known for exposing the murky dealings of football, revealed that Schweinsteiger's contract with Manchester United included a clause that financially penalized him for publicly criticizing the club or its managers. The player agreed to forfeit up to two weeks' wages for each negative comment, an amount that totaled $374,000.

This unprecedented contractual clause sparked a major debate about the limits of footballers' freedom of expression and the power of clubs to control their players' public image.

A Million-Dollar Salary and Sporting Ostracism

Schweinsteiger arrived at Old Trafford in 2015 with a contract worth $9.8 billion per season. In his first season, under manager Louis van Gaal, he played 18 Premier League matches and 10 international matches.

However, the situation worsened with the arrival of José Mourinho. In the 2016/17 season, Schweinsteiger was sidelined, playing only four matches, none of which were in the league. He even played for the reserve team.

Farewell and Future in the MLS

Finally, in early 2017, Schweinsteiger decided to move to the Chicago Fire in the MLS. Before his departure, he bid farewell to his Manchester United teammates with a message of gratitude, without alluding to the difficult situation he had experienced at the club.

Regarding his move to the MLS, the player stated: "This league is not like the Premier League or the Bundesliga. I have to adapt to it and face those situations. If you compare it to Bayern Munich or the national team, the difference is huge, but I knew why I came."

The Club's Silence and the Legacy of the Controversy

Manchester United denied the veracity of the documents leaked by Football Leaks. However, the controversy generated by the "silence clause" left a mark on the history of the club and football in general.

Schweinsteiger's case highlighted the tensions between players' rights and the commercial interests of clubs, opening a debate about the limits of contractual power and freedom of expression in elite sports.