Arjen Robben and Rafinha reflect on their time at Bayern Munich

Earlier today, Bayern Munich veterans Arjen Robben and Rafinha reflected on their time at the club ahead of their departures in the summer.

This summer will mark the end of an era at Bayern Munich. Legendary wing duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are leaving the club they’ve served so well over the past decade, and loyal backup full-back Rafinha will be following them out the exit door.

Though none of the three players has confirmed his next destination, they’ve all indicated their hopes to continue playing professionally. They may not have the ability to play consistently for a club like Bayern Munich, but they each have something they could contribute to a smaller European club or a team elsewhere across the globe.

Earlier today, Arjen Robben and Rafinha took the stage for one final press conference as Bayern players. Neither player had anything to add about their future, but they both reflected on their time in the Bavarian capital.

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Rafinha went first and gave an emotional farewell to his teammates and fans.

"“The eight years [I played for Bayern] have been wonderful. I’ve had some great moments here. The treble in 2013 was special, but all things come to an end eventually.“[My teammates and I] are together every day and know each other so well — we are a family. The friendship we all have is the greatest thing.“Thank you for everything! I hope we end the season with two titles!”"

Bayern’s number 10 followed their number 13 in looking back on his time in Munich, thanking his fans and teammates and commenting on his special connection with fellow winger Franck Ribery.

"“Ten years is a long time. I think it’s a good sign when the time goes by so quickly. It shows that the time was special, that you had fun and felt happy here.“[The connection with Franck] just clicked from the first day. It has been so much fun on the pitch, there have been many wonderful goals. Assists from Franck, goals from me. The other way round too, but not as many.“[Having a special connection with the fans] is the best level of appreciation you can receive. Titles are one thing, but this almost means more to me.”"

It won’t be the same next season without Arjen Robben or Rafinha at the club. The former has played a gigantic role in taking Bayern back into the top tier of European clubs. Robben has stepped up for the Bavarians on the biggest occasions — giving a stellar performance all throughout the 2012-13 Champions League campaign that culminated in scoring the match-winning goal late in the final.

The latter, meanwhile, has been as outstanding a servant to the club as you could ever hope for. Rafinha has never been a consistent starter for Die Roten, but he has never complained about his position at the club and always given 100 percent.

Though it’s certainly time for the duo to move on in their careers — and especially for Bayern to do the same — it is tough to say goodbye to two players who have made their love to the club so evident on many occasions.