Rafinha thinking of returning to Brazil

In a candid interview with Globo Esporte, Bayern Munich’s indefatigable backup right-back (and sometime left-back), Rafinha, admitted that he is seriously considering a return to his native land of Brazil when his contract expires at the end of the current season, despite an offer of a two-year extension. Now 32 years old, Rafinha has been with Bayern Munich since 2011. He even briefly wore the captain’s armband in Bayern’s victory over Augsburg:

Rafinha told Globo Esporte,

I’m very willing. I arrived as an 18-year-old and now am 32. I’ve spent a life here. I have a German passport, I’ve put down roots, and I have great affection for Germany, which is my second home. But I feel that now may be the time to try something different, to see a new challenge.

He feels the pull back to Brazil especially from his own family. His daughters live in Brazil, as do his brothers and mother, who also wants him to return.

I also want to stay close to my daughters; that’s one of the most important factors for me to return to Brazil. If it’s God’s will and everything goes well, why not? I’ve won all the titles here in Europe, so I think it’s time to give thought to this idea of returning, yes.

According to Rafinha himself, Bayern Munich has offered him a contract extension of two years, and he also has offers from other major European clubs - one of them supposedly Chelsea. For now, though, Rafinha said,

I’m avoiding talking about it now. My head is at Bayern, which is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Nothing is certain and I haven’t made any agreement with anyone.

For now, Rafinha is enjoying his time with Bayern Munich, having put in a solid performance at left-back in their 3:0 victory over Augsburg. Rafinha has played nearly 1000 minutes this season, participating in 15 of Bayern’s 19 games, and starting 10 of them across competitions.

That run of games has given Rafinha hope of making Brazil’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He featured in friendly matches for the Seleção this summer. Now if only he could do something about that hair: