Shang-high £60m deal for Oscar
BRAZILIAN midfield star Oscar said his goodbyes to Chelsea last night with an emotional message ahead of his £60million move to China.
The Londoners sold him to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG – banking a stunning £40m profit for the player who landed at Stamford Bridge in 2012.
Oscar said: “A very special thank you to the Chelsea fans, you guys are very special and I am honoured to have been a part of your club. We have won some special titles together.
“The Europa League, the League Cup and of course Premier League champions! You will always have a special place in my heart.”
Oscar, 25, had lost his place in Chelsea’s starting line-up and boss Antonio Conte was willing to cash in as the money was simply too good to turn down. The playmaker will now pick up a staggering £400k a week.
Oscar is the fourth biggest export from the Premier League.
His transfer is only bettered by Gareth Bale’s £85.3m move from Spurs to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo’s £80m switch from Manchester United to Real and Luis Suarez £64.98m move to Barcelona from Liverpool.
It means a change in the balance of power with Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez also being offered £400k-aweek to move to the Asian superpower.
Chinese clubs are certain to make more offers for English-based stars in January and they hope a new TV deal to broadcast from Chinese Super League games will only increase interest in football’s new frontier.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger warned: “China are investing a lot of money to create a big force.
“It could become a problem in future for the Premier League.”