Historic success in Europe, no such thing in the Windy City. With 23 major trophies on the continent over 18 years he was berefit of any in his time here. Included in his almost 2 dozen pieces of hardware are a World Cup and UEFA Champions League title, making him among the most decorated players in the history of the game. Fire owner and Chair. Joe Mansueto stated, "Basti has meant so much to our Club. It was an absolute pleasure to watch him play. I'd like to say, on behalf of the Club:Danke, Basti." From Kolbermoor Germany, Basti at 35 had 619 first team games with the Fire, Bayern Munich & Manchester United, netting 78 goals and 118 assists for these clubs to go with another two dozen goals for his Germany. Fire Pres & GM Nelson Rodriguez informed,"Our first choice in the world was Basti. 3 seasons later, he has changed how the Chicago Fire is viewed around the globe. We are now a club of choice. He will always be revered by our fans. Danke Basti." WIth 85 games, 83 of them starts, in MLS he had 8 goals and 15 assists. An MLS All-Star twice over and captain v Real Madrid at Solider Field in 2017. Over his time with the FIre, he was tops in chances created for his 95 & his 15 assists, a key in getting them to the playoffs in 2017. HC Veljko Paunovic added,"We're very sad he is leaving. It was a great pleasure and experience. Bastian was a great resource for everyone in our club. Danke, Basti." The defender began his pro time with Bayern in 2002 following 4 years in their youth system. Over the next bakers dozen of years with them, they took the Bundesliga title 8 times, 7 DFB-Pokal titles and the UEFA. Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2012-'13. A pair of years with Manny U then off to the Fire. Internationally, he had 121 games 100 of them starts from Germany from 2004-'18. Played a big part in the 2014 World Cup title, to with another 3 Cups played in 2006, '10 & '14, 4 UEFA European Championship appearances in 2004, '08, '12 & '16. A previous captain for the National team, Basti is tops in UEFA games 18, he has had this title since 2016.