Bayern Munich’s defender Rafinha was heavily linked with a return to Brazilian football with Corinthians, but he chose to remain with the European champions. At 28 years of age, Rafinha should be playing regular football, but he is only on the fringes of the first-team at Bayern Munich. This is due to the quality at disposal of manager Pep Guardiola, who has even used fellow full-back Philipp Lahm in a defensive midfield position. Such is the intense quality available at the hands of Guardiola and it had raised the possibility of Rafinha being sold in January.

Corinthians were understood to have made an offer for the 28-year-old, as they saw this is the perfect opportunity to sign the former Schalke defender. The World Cup is coming in less than a few months and Rafinha would have wanted to be part of the Brazil team at this competition. However, he is unlikely to get a look in due to the lack of regular football. A return to Corinthians, though, would have certainly helped in this aspect. Rafinha, though, has revealed that Bayern Munich have made him a counter offer and were interested in keeping him as a starter in the team.

The defender has stated that he simply could not refuse the offer and he is now interested in knowing what the future holds for him.

“I actually had the proposal but unfortunately we did not reach an agreement. Bayern made me an irrefutable offer to become a starter. I’m right here in Munich. I made the decision and I am happy. You can not think so. I know that the club went through difficult times but I think if I had gone to Corinthians I would be earning. I made the decision (to stay at Bayern) and how things have happened belongs to God,” said Rafinha.