Schweinsteiger came close to leaving 'several times'

Bastian Schweinsteiger says he has been close to leaving Bayern Munich on several occasions and could still leave later in his career.

Schweinsteiger, 29, is out of contract with the European champions in 2016 having spent his entire career with the club. During that time the fans' favourite has won 18 medals with the club, including six Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. But despite admitting he could follow in the footsteps of one-club stalwarts Francesco Totti and Ryan Giggs of Roma and Manchester United respectively by staying at the Allianz-Arena, Schweinsteiger says he may also be open to a move in the future having come close to the exit door before. "Can I be compared to Francesco Totti or Ryan Giggs? Yes, absolutely," the Germany midfielder France Football. "They are two amazing players.



 At 40 years of age, Giggs is still going on playing at highest level. He is remarkable. "I am proud to have been at just one club. Were there any moments I was close to leaving? Yes, several times. But in the end the heart made the decision. "Will I terminate my career at Bayern? It is impossible to reply. "Here I am more than happy, but there could be surprises in the future. Moreover, I still have a few years to go on playing."