Bayern Munich defender Rafinha denied suggestions he wants to play for Germany after rejecting a Brazil call-up.

The right back was initially included in Dunga's squad for upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but he withdrew – wishing not to be considered.

It led to suggestions the 30 year-old could be moving to play for world champion Germany, as he is seeking citizenship in the European country.

However, Rafinha said his decision was purely down to not being a Brazil regular and he denied ever having contact with the German Football Association (DFB).

"I am here to clarify something to you, who agree and disagree with my decision," he wrote on Twitter. "I asked to be released from Selecao because I don't see myself fighting for a spot on the right back, not because I'm changing Brazil for Germany."

The defender said that he has not been in touch with Germany at any point about playing for the country. 

"I'm not in touch, and never was in touch with anyone from DFB... So, this thing of denying Selecao or my homeland is not my thing.

"Just remember 2008, when I got into a dispute with Schalke 04, my club back then, so I could represent Brazil at the Olympics. By the way, Dunga was the coach at the time, he called me to join the 23-man squad"

The Bayern Munich player then laid out exactly why he was asking for a release. 

"So let's be clear, it's not because I'm requesting my dual citizenship that I want to play for Germany. I was very, very happy for being called again... But when I analysed my situation, I felt the right thing to do was to ask for my release.

"I thank Gilmar Rinaldi [Brazil technical coordinator] and coach Dunga for understanding this."