Former Chelsea and Brazil star Oscar is set to complete a highly anticipated move to Sao Paulo, marking a heartfelt return to his home country after a 14-year absence.
The attacking midfielder’s journey comes full circle as he prepares to don the Sao Paulo jersey, rekindling his connection with Brazilian football after spending nearly a decade in China with Shanghai SIPG.
Oscar’s departure from Brazil in 2010 followed a contentious contract dispute, leading him to join Internacional, where he began to make a name for himself. His impressive performances caught the attention of European clubs, and in 2012, he signed with Chelsea, where he enjoyed a fruitful five-year spell.
Despite his success at Chelsea, which included winning the Premier League, League Cup, and Europa League, Oscar made a surprising decision in 2017 to join Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League.
During his eight years in China, Oscar made an indelible impact. He played 245 matches for Shanghai SIPG, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His tenure included three Chinese Super League titles, making him one of the most decorated foreign players in the league’s history.
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Despite his club success, Oscar’s move to China coincided with his absence from the Brazilian national team. Having earned 48 caps for Brazil earlier in his career, he was overlooked for international duty after his transfer, a sacrifice he seemed willing to make for his club career.
Oscar’s departure from Shanghai SIPG was an emotional affair. In a tearful farewell, he expressed gratitude for his time with the club and its supporters, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in his career.
At 33, Oscar now returns to Brazil with a wealth of experience and a point to prove. His move to Sao Paulo signifies a fresh start and an opportunity to rekindle his connection with Brazilian football. Fans of Sao Paulo are eagerly awaiting his arrival, and the reception is expected to be nothing short of a hero’s welcome.
Oscar’s return comes at a time when Sao Paulo is looking to strengthen its squad and compete at the highest levels of Brazilian and South American football. With his skillset and leadership qualities, Oscar has the potential to become a pivotal figure in the team’s resurgence.