Former Chelsea star Oscar has responded to criticism of his decision to move to China. NaijaBet.com
His decision to move east has prompted critics to point out that by accepting the lucrative contract on offer in China he has sacrificed career success and a place in the Brazil national team.
In response, Oscar has expanded on how his decision was based upon the financial security of his family.
“Every football player, or every person who works, wants to earn money to help their families,” Oscar told Copa 90.
“Whatever decision I make, somebody will talk good or bad about it.”
Does Oscar have “enough quality” to return to Europe like Paulinho?
Oscar went on to reference the example of Paulinho, who has been a consistent starter under Brazil head coach Tite and was signed by Barcelona for £36 million last summer after impressing in the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou Evergrande: “But, as we’ve seen with Paulinho moving to Barcelona, the players on our team – like myself, Hulk and Elkeson – have enough quality to return to Europe.” NaijaBet.com
Paulinho has appeared in every single La Liga game for Barcelona since his arrival one game into the start of the season and has scored eight goals, more than any midfield teammate, and assisted a further two.
NOTE: Stats correct up till before Brazil’s last fixture (Japan 1-3 Brazil, 10/11/17)
Oscar has played 46 times for Shanghai since 2016, netting 16 times and assisting 20 goals for his teammates.
The Brazilian admitted that the move to Shanghai cost him his place in the Brazil set-up, but he still fully believes that he made the correct decision to join the Chinese team.
“Of course, it would be much better to be a part of the Brazil national team. Moving here made that more difficult as I don’t have the same visibility as when I played in Europe, but my level of football is the same.” NaijaBet.com
