<
>

Bayern Munich defender Rafinha: I had offers from England and Spain

Reported Chelsea target Rafinha has told Sport Bild he received offers from England and Spain this summer and indicated he could be open to leaving Bayern Munich in the future.

Rafinha, 32, signed for Bayern from Genoa in 2011 and has won five Bundesliga titles, three German cups and the 2013 Champions League.

The Brazil international, reportedly the subject of a deadline-day bid from Chelsea, is under contract until the end of the season.

"Bayern's bosses know I already had offers from England and Spain before the season started," the former Schalke defender said. "I have Bayern in my heart and I always give 100 percent -- they can always count on me.

"Therefore, I think those responsible understand that I really want to play, otherwise I will have to think about my future."

With Germany international Joshua Kimmich taking over as first-choice right-back following the retirement of Philipp Lahm, Rafinha is currently filling in at left-back for the injured David Alaba.

He has featured in four of Bayern's five Bundesliga games this season, with further starts in the Champions League and DFB Pokal.

He added: "I have a very good relationship and contact with the coach [Carlo Ancelotti] and I'm convinced I will get my game time."

Rafinha is eyeing a place in the Brazil squad for the 2018 World Cup. He has played four times for the Selecao, doubling his tally of caps when making a comeback after a break of three years in Australia this summer. He appeared as a second-half substitute in Brazil's 1-0 defeat to Argentina, but started the comfortable 4-0 win over Australia.