“I hope we end the season with two titles”: Rafinha holds emotional farewell press conference

Bayern Munich is more than just a club — it’s a family with a bond like no other. Sad to say, the team will have to go through a huge heartbreak after the end of the season as they bid adieu to three of their most precious players. Along with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, Rafinha is also set to leave Munich this summer.

In an emotional farewell press conference, Rafinha talked about his future after eight years at Bayern, his life as a Bavarian and the things he is looking forward to before his departure. As of now, the Brazilian’s future is still uncertain. He said (via TZ):

I’ll still play in Brasil or Europe, I still don’t know. I’ll decide after the season. I never thought I’d stay in Germany so long.

Rafinha has witnessed his own evolution into the player that he is today at Bayern. Hence, just like how it’s with everyone else, it is extremely hard for him to say goodbye. But a farewell is inevitable. Rafinha now hopes that the team will end the season with a double, as he takes some memories from the past with him to cherish:

We are together every day and know each other so well — we are a family. The friendship we all have is the greatest thing.

The eight years have been wonderful, I’ve had some great moments here. The treble in 2013 was special. But all things eventually come to an end.

During the final few minutes of the conference, Rafinha talked about his mother and teared up midway. It was indeed an emotional moment for the Brasilian and everyone else watching:

She said: “Say thank you to everyone. To your teammates, to all the staff. And don’t forget that you’re a super person!”

Obrigado! Many thanks for everything! I hope we end the season with two titles.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge knows exactly what the team had with Rafinha in the squad and what they’re going to lose after he leaves. The club chairman also wished him well for his next step:

In Rafa, FC Bayern loses and extremely valuable player. He was always ready when the team needed him — whether as a right, left or centre-back. We wish Rafa all the very best.

Rafa was a very good transfer. In his eight years, he was reliable, positive and popular player and person.

Sometimes, when you know it’s never enough no matter what you say, a thank you is a lot harder than a goodbye. We cannot seem to find enough words to thank Rafa for everything he has done for the club.

#DankeRafa