Oscar After Chelsea: Career, Stats, And More!

Let's dive into the career of Oscar after his time with Chelsea. Many fans remember him as a bright, young talent who showed flashes of brilliance in the Premier League. But what has he been up to since then? We're going to explore his journey, stats, achievements, and everything in between.

Leaving Stamford Bridge

Oscar's departure from Chelsea in January 2017 came as a surprise to many. At just 25 years old, he was considered to be in the prime of his career, with plenty of potential to develop further. However, the lure of a lucrative contract from Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League (CSL) proved too tempting to resist. The transfer fee was reported to be around £60 million, making him one of the most expensive players to ever move to the CSL.

At the time, the CSL was attracting a number of high-profile players with the promise of huge wages. Oscar's move was seen as part of this trend, with many questioning whether he was putting financial gain ahead of his footballing ambitions. Despite the criticism, Oscar insisted that the move was motivated by a desire to help develop football in China and to secure his family's future. He also pointed out that he was still relatively young and had plenty of time to return to Europe later in his career.

His time at Chelsea was marked by moments of brilliance and inconsistency. He arrived in 2012 as a highly-rated playmaker from Internacional in Brazil and quickly established himself as a key member of the team. He was known for his creative passing, dribbling skills, and ability to score spectacular goals. However, he struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance and often found himself in and out of the starting lineup.

During his four and a half seasons at Chelsea, Oscar won the Premier League title, the Europa League, and the League Cup. He made over 200 appearances for the club, scoring 38 goals. While he was a popular figure among the fans, there was a sense that he never quite fulfilled his full potential at Stamford Bridge. This perceived underachievement, coupled with the financial incentives on offer, made the move to China a logical one for both the player and the club.

Life in the Chinese Super League

After leaving Chelsea, Oscar joined Shanghai SIPG (now known as Shanghai Port FC) and quickly became one of the team's key players. The move to China brought a significant change in his career, both on and off the pitch. The Chinese Super League (CSL) was a different environment compared to the English Premier League, with a different style of play, culture, and level of competition. Despite these differences, Oscar adapted well to his new surroundings and established himself as one of the league's top performers.

On the pitch, Oscar was given a more prominent role in the Shanghai SIPG team. He was often deployed as an attacking midfielder or winger, with the freedom to create chances and score goals. His technical skills, vision, and passing ability made him a valuable asset to the team, and he quickly became a fan favorite. He formed a strong partnership with other foreign players, such as Hulk and Elkeson, and together they helped Shanghai SIPG become one of the dominant forces in the CSL.

Off the pitch, Oscar had to adjust to a new culture and language. He embraced the challenge and made an effort to learn Mandarin and integrate into Chinese society. He also became involved in various charitable activities, helping to promote football among young people in China. Despite being far away from his home country of Brazil, Oscar settled in well in Shanghai and enjoyed his time in the CSL.

During his time in China, Oscar achieved considerable success. He helped Shanghai SIPG win their first-ever CSL title in 2018, ending Guangzhou Evergrande's seven-year reign as champions. He also won the Chinese FA Super Cup in 2019. Individually, he was recognized as one of the league's best players, earning numerous accolades and awards. He consistently ranked among the top scorers and assist providers in the CSL, showcasing his attacking prowess and creativity.

However, his time in China was not without its challenges. The CSL was known for its intense pressure and high expectations, and Oscar faced criticism at times for his performances. There were also questions about the overall quality of the league compared to the top European leagues. Despite these challenges, Oscar remained committed to Shanghai SIPG and continued to perform at a high level.

Stats and Achievements in China

Let's break down the stats and achievements that Oscar racked up during his time in China. Since joining Shanghai SIPG in 2017, he has consistently been a standout performer, contributing significantly to the team's success. His stats speak volumes about his impact on the pitch:

• Appearances: Over 170 appearances for Shanghai SIPG in all competitions.
• Goals: Scored over 50 goals, showcasing his attacking threat.
• Assists: Provided over 90 assists, highlighting his creative playmaking abilities.
• Chinese Super League Title: Won the CSL title with Shanghai SIPG in 2018.
• Chinese FA Super Cup: Won the Super Cup in 2019.
• Individual Awards: Multiple CSL Team of the Season selections.

These statistics demonstrate Oscar's consistent performance and his ability to both score and create goals. His contributions were crucial in Shanghai SIPG's title-winning season and their overall success in domestic competitions. Beyond the numbers, his influence on the team's style of play and his leadership qualities were also highly valued.

Return to Brazil?

In recent years, there has been increasing speculation about Oscar potentially returning to Brazil. After spending several years in China, he has expressed a desire to play closer to home and be reunited with his family. Several Brazilian clubs have reportedly shown interest in signing him, but a move has yet to materialize. What are the potential reasons for this?

One of the main obstacles is likely the financial aspect. Oscar is still under contract with Shanghai Port FC and commands a high salary. Any Brazilian club would need to be able to afford his wages and potentially pay a transfer fee to secure his release. This could be a challenge for many clubs in Brazil, who may not have the financial resources to compete with the wealthy Chinese clubs.

Another factor to consider is Oscar's age and fitness. While he is still relatively young, he is no longer the same player he was when he left Chelsea. The physical demands of the Brazilian league could be a concern, and it remains to be seen whether he would be able to adapt to the different style of play. However, his experience and technical skills could still make him a valuable asset to any team.

Despite these challenges, a return to Brazil remains a possibility. Oscar has stated that he misses his home country and would like to play in front of his family and friends again. If he is willing to take a pay cut and if a Brazilian club can agree on a deal with Shanghai Port FC, then a move could happen in the future.

What's Next for Oscar?

So, what does the future hold for Oscar? As of now, he continues to play for Shanghai Port FC in the Chinese Super League. He remains a key player for the team and is still performing at a high level. However, with his contract nearing its end, there are questions about whether he will stay in China or seek a new challenge elsewhere.

One possibility is that he could extend his contract with Shanghai Port FC. He has been with the club for several years and has built a strong relationship with the team and the fans. He is also well-compensated and enjoys a comfortable life in Shanghai. If the club is willing to offer him a new contract that meets his expectations, then he may decide to stay.

Another possibility is that he could return to Europe. He has previously expressed a desire to play in one of the top European leagues again, and there may be clubs interested in signing him. His experience and technical skills could make him a valuable addition to any team, and he may see a return to Europe as a way to revitalize his career.

Of course, there is also the possibility of a move to another league outside of Europe and Brazil. The Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States has been attracting a number of high-profile players in recent years, and Oscar could be tempted by the opportunity to play in a new and growing market. Other leagues in Asia and the Middle East could also be potential destinations.

Ultimately, the decision of what to do next will depend on a number of factors, including his personal preferences, financial considerations, and the opportunities that are available to him. Whatever he decides, it will be interesting to see what the next chapter holds for this talented and versatile player.

In conclusion, Oscar has had a fascinating career journey since leaving Chelsea. From his lucrative move to the Chinese Super League to his potential return to Brazil, his career has been full of surprises and challenges. As he continues to play and explore new opportunities, fans will be eagerly watching to see what he achieves next.