Bayern extends Rafinha's contract to 2017

Published Dec. 19, 2013 12:27 p.m. ET

foxsports

Bayern Munich has extended Brazilian defender Rafinha's contract by three seasons.

Rafinha is now bound to Bayern until mid-2017. Rafinha says he is proud to be able to continue playing for the ''best club in the world.''

The 28-year-old defender played for Schalke before going to Sampdoria and then returning to Germany to sign for Bayern at the start of the 2011-12 season.

Rafinha has been used regularly by new coach Pep Guardiola, who often shifts right back Philipp Lahm to midfield.

The contract was signed in Marrakech, where Bayern is playing at the Club World Cup.