Schweinsteiger: I was close to leaving Bayern

Bastian Schweinsteiger says he was close to leaving Bayern Munich for another top European club in 2008.

The Germany international has previously said playing outside the Bundesliga once his contract expires in 2016 could be a tempting prospect.

And the 28-year-old, who has been a mainstay of the Bayern midfielder since making his debut in 2002, he has once more said he would be open to leaving Germany.

“I was close to a transfer in the summer of 2008. I could have joined an international top club,” Schweinsteiger told Playboy.

“I have an ongoing contract with Bayern and intend to fulfil it. However, a move abroad remains tempting, and you never know what happens.”