Rafinha extends until 2018

Leaving no loose ends on the roster, Bayern Munich have extended Rafinha’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of the season, for another year, keeping him at Säbener Strasse through 2018.

Rafinha, who obtained German citizenship a year ago, is thrilled to be staying in his Bavarian home. He stated, "I’m very happy about the extension. I’ve been here now almost six years. Bayern Munich is like a second family to me and one of the best clubs in the world.” Rafinha is eager as ever “to win as many titles as possible” with the team.

The move is a significant vote of confidence from Bayern’s management. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated that, “Rafinha is an important player on the field for us, but he is also a very popular person in the locker room.”

In what feels like ancient history today, Rafinha transferred to Bayern in 2011 from Genoa C.F.C. in Italy’s Serie A. He has gone on to play in 124 games for the Rekordmeister, most often as a ready and reliable backup at right-back.

The extension for Rafinha is the latest in a long series, following hot on the heels of Robert Lewandowski’s extension until 2021. Possible extensions for Arjen Robben and Xabi Alonso are anticipated next, as is a definitive move to acquire Kinglsey Coman from Juventus Turin. Holger Badstuber is another much-loved player whose fate remains uncertain.