FORMER CHELSEA ATTACKING midfielder Oscar has admitted that his shock move to Shanghai back in January was influenced by a need to provide for his family as opposed to the progression of his footballing career.
The Brazil international made the surprising switch from Premier League to the Chinese Super League for a reported £60m near the peak of his powers, aged 25, in a move which was roundly criticised by purists who deemed the playmaker greedy.
Having only recently turned 26, Oscar remains hopeful that he can emulate international team-mate Paulinho in securing a move back to a major European club in a couple of years’ time, and believes he’s young enough to make his mark on European football in due course.
“Every football player, or every person who works, wants to earn money to help their families,” he told Copa 90 in a video interview produced by Rabona Magazine. “I came from a social background in Brazil that is very poor.
“All the foreign players who come here are at a really high level. China has incredible financial power and sometimes makes offers that players can’t refuse.
I hope that in two or three years’ time – or when my contract here ends and I have helped the team to win titles – I could go back to a big team in Europe. Because what I like most is to play at a high level.
Oscar continued: “When I was talking with Shanghai, I was talking to big clubs from Europe as well. There was Atlético Madrid, who I almost joined. I liked them very much and what they were offering me at that time. There was also Juventus, Inter and AC Milan. I had some options but I opted for Shanghai.
“Afterwards I can still return to Europe. When I made the decision to come here, I was thinking more of my family than of my career. I had other very good offers from big teams in Europe. But I thought a little more of my family, and after that – I am still young – I can return.”
You can view his interview in full below, courtesy of Copa 90.
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If his goal really is to win another champions league (that’s obviously not going to happen at United in what’s left of his career) then what genuine competitor for the tournament could afford him and more importantly actually want him?
@Gareth Keenan: i think he just wants to keep playing in the champions league, not necessarily win it again. Maybe he should consider an immediate loan spell with Rovers and help us push through to the group stages of it.
@Kevin: there’s a thought!
@Kevin: that would be some story, I can see it now…
Big Cristiano fan throughout the years but surely even he must recognise that the equation probably won’t add up the way he wants it too.
Big money + competitive champions league team + automatic starter in every game.is not realistic in my view.
He could probably find some good situations where he can get 2 of the 3.
Will be interested too see what happens. As a utd fan too I think that he might have to find a bit more humility I’d he is to stay relevant in ETH’s plans. Still great on his day.
Even with this Dr Evil demand level of money, with his level of skill even at this stage in his career the Saudi League would be like if he rocked up to an adults five a side match in the park on a Sunday. He’d be richer than rich but no way would he be satisfied professionally
Wants to leave but doesn’t want to go to any club who wants him
He Doesn’t need the money. Surprised someone like PSG didn’t go for him.