Berlin, Dec 20 (IANS): Champions League holders Bayern Munich of Germany have decided to extend the contract of Brazilian international Rafinha until 2017.
Rafael Ferreira de Souza, also known as Rafinha, penned a new three-year deal Thursday, reports Xinhua.
"It's very important for me, my career and family that I have the chance to continue working at one of the best clubs in the world. I'm very proud," Rafinha told Bayern's official homepage.
The 28-year-old defender played for Schalke from 2005 until 2010 before he joined Italian side Genoa until 2011. After his short spell in Italy he moved to Bayern Munich, where he has scored two goals in 52 appearances.
Rafinha was part of the starting team in Bayern's recent 3-0 win over Guangzhou Evergrande FC in the FIFA World Club Cup.
Bayern Munich sit atop the standings in the Bundesliga with a seven point lead to runner-up Bayer Leverkusen.