BAYERN MUNICH defender Rafinha admits that he fancies a stint in the Premier League.
There has been interest in the Brazilian from both Arsenal and Liverpool.
Rafinha, 31, has made only nine starts in the Bundesliga this season. His contract is up in 2018, drawing speculation that he could leave the Allianz Arena this summer.
He said: “I don’t like to talk about offers – I have managers for that. But it’s true, those offers are real. I have a few offers from Premier League clubs.
“I’d rather not say [which clubs] because it’s confidential. I’m playing for Bayern Munich, one of the greatest clubs in Europe. I’m very happy here, but I am also happy to know that there are other clubs interested in my work.
“It’s not the first time that something like that has happened. Obviously, every player is fascinated by the Champions League. I would like to learn another language. Why not?
“I always follow the Premier League matches. It’s very exciting watching a tournament where six or seven teams can fight for the title. It’s probably the best league in the world.”
Rafinha’s reference to the Champions League means Arsenal could struggle to land the £15million-rated player who has spent the majority of his European career in Germany, first with Schalke and then with Bayern.
But the Premier League obviously appeals.
“It’s very physical, but that wouldn’t be a problem for me. When I first arrived in Germany I was 18 years old and players at Schalke were like 6ft 4in.
“The defenders were even taller than that and I was the skinny one weighing just 60kg. I had to learn how to avoid contact otherwise I wouldn’t make it. So I always tried to anticipate what was happening in the pitch. Therefore, I wouldn’t be scared of this physical game.”
Rafinha, though, is still not sure where he will be playing his football in 2017/18.
He added: “It’s a surprise for me [to be heavily linked with a transfer] because I still have one year left in my current contract. I’ve played for Bayern for the last six years, and I’ve been in Germany for 12 years now. I know the Bundesliga so well and, luckily, I had a victorious career in this country.
“But we never know what will happen in our future as a footballer, especially when you are playing for such a big club. I really don’t know what will happen this transfer window.”