- “I don’t think it is a step down,” – Oscar
- “This happens with every player, if it wasn’t for money I wouldn’t leave Brazil,” – Oscar
Oscar has stated that quitting English Premier League giants Chelsea for a switch to the Chinese League was not a step down, although he admits his decision was greatly influenced by the mind-boggling financial package.
The Brazilian stunned world football last week upon completion of an eye-watering €60 million switch to Shanghai SIPG, and he thinks the Chinese Super League would eventually rival the best leagues in the world, SuperSport writes.
“I don’t think it is a step down,” said Oscar, who is training in Qatar with his new teammates.
“I think in China they are making a great project for me and all the good players that are coming to the league. I am pretty sure that in the future the Chinese league will be one of the best leagues in the world.”
Oscar’s shock transfer to Shanghai was seen as a potential game-changer for the ambitious Chinese Super League, who have also recruited big names like Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, Belgian international Axel Witsel, among others.
Tevez, 32, will reportedly become the best-paid player in the world with a two-year contract valued at €38 million per season at Shanghai Shenhua. However, it was Oscar, 25, whose exit from a European powerhouse while still in his prime that sent a powerful statement of China’s intent in world football.
The Brazilian, on a contract worth €24 million per season, has been accused of chasing the money to the east, a charge he agrees with, albeit philosophically.
“This happens with every player, if it wasn’t for money I wouldn’t leave Brazil,” he told reporters in Doha.
“When you go to Europe you go because of the money and because of the good clubs also and in Shanghai the project is to be one of the best leagues.
“Of course it was also good for me and my family and for everyone involved in the transfer.”
Oscar has played 47 times for Brazil and doesn’t think the move will affect his international chances, citing the fact that Paulinho also plays in China and for Brazil.
