Bayern sign Rafinha from Genoa
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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Rafinha has become FC Bayern München's latest summer signing, the Brazilian right-back moving from Genoa CFC to link up with former FC Schalke 04 team-mate Manuel Neuer.
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FC Bayern München have made their third signing of the summer by buying right-back Rafinha from Genoa CFC for a reported €7m.
Having already added striker Nils Petersen and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Bayern have given Rafinha a contract until June 2014, an acquisition which could potentially allow Philipp Lahm to return to his former role of left-back. Rafinha, 25, will be familiar with Neuer having played alongside him for FC Schalke 04 between 2005 and 2010, making 153 Bundesliga appearances after arriving in Germany from Coritiba FBC in his Brazilian homeland.
Capped at senior level by Brazil in March 2008 against Sweden in London, Rafinha told Bayern's official website: "I'm delighted my transfer to Munich has worked out and that I'll be playing in the Bundesliga again. I hope finally to win the trophies I've been denied so far. I'll now be facing the best teams and the best players in the world, and I'm very happy."
Bayern, under new coach Jupp Heynckes, will begin the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League in the play-off round following a third-place finish in the season just gone.
