Official: Bayern Munich’s Rafinha has signed with Flamengo

In a move that has been expected for quite some time, Bayern Munich outside-back Rafinha is heading home to Brazil to play for Flamengo. The 33-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract with the Rio de Janeiro club.

Rafinha had spent 14 years in Europe as he moved from FC Coritiba to Schalke 04 in 2005 where he played 153 games in five years. Rafinha then had a one-year stint with Genoa before moving to Bayern in 2011. Overall, Rafinha was part of 17 championships, including the 2013 Champions League.

During the latter part of his career with Bayern, Rafinha became a depth piece and mentor to outside backs David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich. Because of the durability of the duo, Rafinha’s opportunities for playing time over the past three years have been scarce, but he evolved into one of the team’s respected veteran leaders.

During his time with Bayern, Rafinha had six goals and 26 assists in 267 games across competitions.

“Adeus e boa sorte Rafinha!”