Rafinha pondering a two-year extension at Bayern Munich

Speaking candidly to SporTV this past Wednesday, Bayern Munich’s reliable backup right-back Rafinha revealed he had several attractive offers for a transfer back to Brazil in this past winter window and is currently considering an extension offer from Bayern Munich itself.

After Rafinha openly mused about returning to Brazil and his agent Lincoln stated the player intended to ask for permission to leave Bayern Munich in the winter window, Bayern made it clear that he was needed and offered him a two-year extension.

Now Rafinha has admitted that he had in fact been contacted by three Brazilian clubs during the winter transfer window:

Specifically, I had three proposals, one from Inter, one from Cruzeiro, and one from Palmeiras. All three were good, but the ones that came closer were from Cruzeiro and Palmeiras. They were really close; there were just a few things that changed regarding the contract.

Rafinha expressed his appreciation for the interest in him from his home country, both clubs and fans, while he also acknowledged that it is hard for him to leave Europe and especially Bayern Munich behind after spending so many years there.

For now, Rafinha remains undecided and relaxed now that the transfer window is closed.

I have time to think. The window is closed; I don’t have to rush. It hasn’t been ruled out. I have wonderful options here in Europe; Bayern itself wants to renew my contract for another two years. We’ll see.

For the time being, Rafinha is concentrating on performing well in hopes of being selected for Brazil’s 2018 World Cup squad. His current run of strong performances for Bayern—including several starts, as at Mainz last weekend—have bolstered his ambitions of making Brazil’s squad:

That’s my desire, being on the National Team. It’s one of the things that motivates me a lot. I have a real chance of being called up. I’m playing in almost all of Bayern’s games. The technical committee is definitely watching me. I was called up for two friendlies, played in one. I did well; I had my chance. I’m sure they’re watching me.

Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images/Getty Images