Chelsea midfielder Oscar challenges for the ball against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. PHOTO/FILE
Chelsea midfielder Oscar has made it clear that he has no intentions of leaving Stamford Bridge and plying his trade in China.
It has been reported that Chinese Super League (CSL) club Jiangsu Suning tried to acquire Oscar’s services for £58 million, but the 24-year-old is not interested in a move to the Far East as he feels it would be a step in the wrong direction for him.
Oscar admitted that he was disappointed to see Ramires join Jiangsu, but added that he never thought about following his Chelsea team-mate to the CSL.
“Of course I was sad to see [Ramires] go in the sense that we’re from the same country, we’re friends, we speak the same language and help each other out. It’s a good move for him,” Oscar told The Sun. “There was interest in me but I’ve no desire to leave Europe.
“The idea of moving to China would be such a huge change for me and would go against everything I’ve achieved so far.
“Chelsea are a fantastic, very big club and I’m still young. I’m only 24 so I’ve got a lot of football ahead of me.”
The Brazilian, who is donning Chelsea legend Frank Lampard’s number eight shirt this season, is now focused on helping the Blues through their difficult season. Chelsea are highly unlikely to retain their Premier League title, but they are still in the race to win the Champions League and FA Cup.
“When I arrived I took the number 11 shirt from Didier Drogba, who is another historic player at the club,” he said. “Now I wear the shirt Lampard used to wear and I want to represent that number in a fitting way – by staying for a number of years and winning many trophies like he did.”
