Ex-Bayern Munich, Brazil footballer Rafinha meets fans in Taipei

Taipei, Nov. 25 (CNA) Former Bayern Munich and Brazil right-back Rafinha on Tuesday encouraged young footballers in Taiwan to balance education with athletic ambitions, during a youth football event in Taipei.

"The only way to succeed in football is to fully dedicate yourself and practice with 100 percent effort. At the same time, you should not stop studying because not everyone can succeed in the sport," said the seven-time Bundesliga champion, who visited Taiwan at the invitation of Bayern sponsor Allianz's local subsidiary.

Since 2012, Allianz Taiwan has selected promising youth players to attend training programs at Bayern Munich's youth academy in Germany.

"It is my honor to participate in this event on behalf of Bayern Munich," said the 40-year-old defender, born Márcio Rafael Ferreira de Souza.

Rafinha said his lowest point as a player came in 2012, when Bayern finished runners-up in both the Bundesliga and German Cup to Borussia Dortmund and then lost the UEFA Champions League final to Chelsea on penalties at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

"But we had a very good coach who helped us bounce back to the top within a year," he said, referring to the following season's treble under manager Jupp Heynckes.

Born in Brazil, Rafinha obtained German citizenship in 2015. Asked about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he joked that he hoped Brazil and Germany would meet in the final and that he would be satisfied either way.

"As long as it is not Argentina again," he added.