Former Chelsea star Oscar has returned to Brazil to join Sao Paulo, ending his eight-year stint in the Chinese Super League (CSL).
The attacking midfielder, 33, has spent the past eight seasons playing for Shanghai Port after joining the club for £60million from Chelsea in December 2016 when he signed a contract worth a reported £400,000-per-week.
Oscar moved to China at the height of the CSL league boom, where several foreign superstars were being signed for astronomical fees and on large contracts.
However, while most of those stars moved on as the financial picture changed, Oscar remained with Shanghai, winning the CSL title three times, while he also lifted the Chinese FA Cup and Super Cup.
He is considered as the best foreign player in CSL history after scoring 77 goals and adding 141 assists in 248 appearances.
Oscar has penned a three-year contract with Sao Paulo – which is the club where he began his professional career – and expressed his excitement at coming ‘home’ after the news was made public.
Former Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar has made a return to Brazil to join Sao Paulo
The move to Sao Paulo brings to an end Oscar’s eight-year stint in China with Shanghai Port
The Brazilian midfielder (centre), 33, is considered as the best foreign player in CSL history
‘I’m happy to be back in Brazil and to be able to play for Sao Paulo, which is the club where I started out, 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 these past few days and I will do my best to achieve great things together.’
Sao Paulo president Julio Casares hailed Oscar, who played 48 times for Brazil between 2011 and 2016, as ‘a super reinforcement’ – and the 33-year-old also paid an emotional tribute to Shanghai following his exit.
‘Today officially marks the end of a chapter that has profoundly influenced my life,’ he said on social media on Christmas Eve.
‘After eight years wearing this shirt, it is difficult to describe the complex emotions I feel as I say goodbye.
‘These were intense years, filled with 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 want to thank the club for believing in me from day one.
‘The trust, the support, and the conditions you always provided were fundamental for my growth as a player and as a person. I take with me incredible memories and the certainty that I gave my all for this club.’
Oscar paid an emotional tribute to Shanghai Port and their fans when his exit was announced
Marca reported that Oscar, who was said to be on £400,000-a-week, made £145m in China
Oscar previously played for Chelsea between 2012 and 2016 before his £60m move to China
Oscar continued: ‘I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride for everything we achieved together. This club will always be my home, and this fanbase, my family.
‘Thank you for these unforgettable 8 years. Thank you for everything. With love and gratitude, Oscar Emboaba.’
Shanghai Port also paid tribute, as they added: ‘Thank you and take care. We wish our heroic captain all the best.’
Spanish outlet Marca reported how Oscar earned €175m (£145.1m) from his eight years in China.
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old previously played 14 times for Sao Paulo as a teenager before he joined Internacional in 2010 in a move that created 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 had opened the door for a shock return to Stamford Bridge, claiming it would be a ‘dream’.
‘It’s of course a dream to come back to Chelsea,’ he had told talkSPORT. ‘Everyone knows the passion that I have for this club.
‘I have a lot of good memories from there… I still have dreams to play for this team. So if I can come back to Europe or to Chelsea, then hopefully we can talk.’
However, the silky midfielder will instead return to action on January 15 with Sao Paulo when the new Brazilian league season gets underway.
