Schweinsteiger should decide on his own future: Guardiola

Munich, July 2 (IANS): Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola on Thursday said only midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger can decide whether or not he remains with the German football giants this summer, and insisted they have no interest in signing Angel Di Maria from Manchester United.

Seasoned German international Schweinsteiger, 30, has enjoyed an incredible 13 years in Munich since making his debut for the Bavarian side, winning eight Bundesliga titles, seven DFB-Pokals and the European Champions League in 2013.

However, the 2014 World Cup-winning midfielder has been rumoured to be in line for a reunion with former Bayern manager Louis van Gaal at United after making just 15 league starts last season.

Guardiola insists he wants to see the World Cup-winning midfielder remain at the club, but says the decision is down to the player himself.

"I told him 'the future depends on you'. Basti has managed a great career. He must decide what he does alone. Of course I am planning to work with Basti next season. Basti has to decide," Guardiola was quoted as saying by Goal.

"If Schweinsteiger wants to stay here then that's perfect. He's a top player."

Schweinsteiger has played 535 matches for Bayern and represented Germany in 111 matches.

The former Barcelona coach also touched on winger Di Maria, who has been linked with a move to Bayern this summer, having struggled to settle to life in United following a move from Real Madrid last summer.

Guardiola admits that he is a keen admirer of the 27-year-old Argentine, but insists his side will not sign him.

"I don't have to watch Argentina games, because I know him and his style of playing very well," Guardiola said.

"United did not pay so much money for nothing, he is a great player. Although such transfer fees are sometimes really crazy."

When asked if he was interested in signing Di Maria, the Spaniard replied: "No."

Conversely, Manchester United have also been linked with Schweinsteiger as a likely destination for the Germany captain. Another Bayern player Thomas Muller is alos supposedly on Louis van Gaal’s list of transfer targets.