Former Chelsea star Oscar has returned to Brazil to join Sao Paulo, ending his eight-year spell in the Chinese Super League (CSL).
The attacking midfielder, 33, has played for Shanghai Port for the past eight seasons after joining the club from Chelsea for £60million in December 2016, when he signed a contract worth a reported £400,000-a-week.
Oscar moved to China at the height of the CSL league boom, where several foreign superstars were signed for astronomical fees and on big contracts.
While most of those stars moved on as the financial picture changed, Oscar stayed with Shanghai and won the CSL title three times, while also winning the Chinese FA Cup and Super Cup.
He is considered the best foreign player in CSL history after scoring 77 goals and providing 141 assists in 248 appearances.
Oscar has signed a three-year contract with Sao Paulo – the club where he started his professional career – and expressed his excitement at returning home after the news was made public.
“I'm happy to be back in Brazil and to be able to play for Sao Paulo, the club where I started, where I made my base and where I grew up,” the 33-year-old said in a statement.
“I thank you for the affection I have received on social media in recent days and I will do my best to achieve great things together.”
Sao Paulo president Julio Casares called Oscar, who played 48 times for Brazil between 2011 and 2016, a 'super reinforcement'. The 33-year-old also paid an emotional tribute to Shanghai after his departure.
“Today officially marks the end of a chapter that has profoundly affected my life,” he said on social media on Christmas Eve.
'After eight years of wearing this shirt, it is difficult to describe the complex emotions I feel when I say goodbye.
'These were intense years, full of hard work, dedication and, above all, victories. Together we won everything possible, and this was only achieved thanks to the unconditional support of everyone who is part of this club and its fans. I would like to thank the club for trusting me from day one.
“The trust, support and conditions you always provided were fundamental to my growth as a player and as a person. I take with me incredible memories and the certainty that I gave everything for this club.'
Oscar continued: “I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride for everything we have achieved together. This club will always be my home, and this fan base, my family.
'Thank you for these unforgettable 8 years. Thanks for everything. With love and gratitude, Oscar Emboaba.”
The Port of Shanghai also paid tribute, adding: “Thank you and take care. We wish our heroic captain all the best.”
This came after Oscar broke down in tears as he said goodbye to Shanghai fans earlier this month.
Footage shared on social media after his final game for the club against Gwangju FC on December 3 showed the tearful midfielder waving an emotional farewell to supporters with his head in his hands.
As Shanghai Port fans chanted the Brazilian's name, Oscar bowed his head and cried before teammates surrounded him and dressed him in a club scarf.
Spain's Marca reported how Oscar earned 175 million euros during his eight years in China.
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old previously made 14 appearances for Sao Paulo as a teenager before joining Internacional in 2010, a move that caused discontent between the teams.
The Brazilian also scored 38 goals in 203 appearances for Chelsea between 2012 and 2016, winning the Premier League, League Cup and Europa League during his time at the club.
In May last year, Oscar opened the door to a shock return to Stamford Bridge, claiming it would be a 'dream'.
“It is of course a dream to return to Chelsea,” he had told talkSPORT. 'Everyone knows the passion I have for this club.
'I have many good memories of that. I still dream of playing for this team. So if I can come back to Europe or Chelsea then hopefully we can talk.”
However, the silky midfielder will return to action for Sao Paulo on January 15 when the new Brazilian league season kicks off.
Comments