Oscar’s shock transfer to Shanghai from Chelsea was seen as a potential game-changer for the Chinese Super League, who have also recruited big names like Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, Belgian international Axel Witsel, among others.
However, some people believe that the switch is a big step down.
“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.”
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.”
