Bayern Munich defender confirms rejecting Premier League offers

Bayern Munich defender Rafinha has confirmed he turned down the chance to move to Spain and England in order to stay with the Bundesliga champions this season.

Rafinha has spent the last six years with Bayern after joining from Serie A side Genoa in 2011 but has struggled to establish himself as a first team regular in that time.

Chelsea reportedly had a deadline-day offer for Rafinha rejected before Antonio Conte’s side signed Torino defender Davide Zappacosta and the 32-year-old has confirmed turning down the chance to leave Bayern over the summer.

“Bayern’s bosses know I already had offers from England and Spain before the season started,” he told SportBild, via Sky Sports.

“I have Bayern in my heart and I always give 100 per cent, 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.”

Rafinha has started three of Bayern’s opening five league matches this season and also played 90 minutes in the club’s opening Champions League group game. However, it remains to be seen how long the versatile Brazilian defender can hold off competition from David Alaba at left-back.

Since the start of last season, Bayern have only won 46.2% of their Bundesliga matches that Rafinha has started, compared to a stunning 88.5% of the league matches the veteran has not.