FC Bayern München right back Márcio Rafael Ferreira de Souza or ‘Rafinha’ commonly known to many has decided to lengthen his current contract with the organisation, which will preserve him in München until 2017. This is worthy news for the Brazilian as his contemporary deal was due to perish at the end of the season. Since Pep Guardiola has been managing FC Bayern München, Rafinha has had more of an essential role in the team compared to his last campaign when Jupp Heynckes was manager. The reason for this is because Pep Guardiola has been playing the influential German and captain Phillip Lahm in the centre of midfield, which has allowed the Brazilian to become more convoluted in ‘Die Bayern’s’ season.

Last season Rafinha only made seventeen appearances in the treble winning season scoring two goals but has already featured twenty-four times this campaign. This season he has spent 1033 minutes on the pitch in the Bundesliga having 1143 touches on the ball. The Brazilian has committed nine fouls and has been fouled fifteen times. Rafinha has created twenty-four chances for his peers collecting two assists in the Bundesliga. The right back has attempted 906 passes completing 88.1%, attempted 175 tackles accomplishing 53.7% and endeavoured 141 challenges achieving 58.2%. By just analysing these statistics you can see that the Brazilian is a very instrumental player for FC Bayern München and a talent Pep Guardiola imagined he had when he decided to take the job earlier this year. 

Speaking to FC Bayern München’s official website Rafinha expressed, “It's very important for me, my career and my family that I can continue to work for one of the best clubs in the world, I am very proud.” The official documents for this contract has been signed in Marrakech, Morocco due to the Bavarians playing in the World Club Cup Championship. FC Bayern München are set to play Raja Casablanca from Morocco after Raja Casablanca stunned the footballing world by beating Brazilians Atlético Mineiro 3-1. ‘Die Roten’ defeated Guangzhou Evergrande from China comfortably 3-0 and Rafinha conveyed his excitement, "It's a dream to play this final. We really need to play well and win."

This will now be the third FC Bayern München player to sign a contract extension with Rafinha joining Jerome Boateng and Austrian David Alaba. This furnishes you the impression that life is sweet at the moment in München and that the philosophy Pep Guardiola is enforcing on his players is having a positive effect on their football and other aspects of their life. 

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About the author
James  Williams
I am a freelance writer who focuses on the German Bundesliga and what it offers to football supporters around the world.