Oscar ends career at 34 after heart problem

Former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar has announced his immediate retirement from professional football at the age of 34. The decision follows a serious heart problem that the player described as a near-death experience. In a statement, Oscar said: "I felt my body slipping away." The attacking midfielder had been playing for Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League, but has now decided to hang up his boots on medical advice.

The heart scare that ended his career

Oscar revealed that the heart issue occurred during a routine training session. He described feeling unwell and then experiencing what he called a "slipping away" sensation. Medical staff intervened quickly, and further examinations uncovered the underlying cardiac problem. While the exact nature of the condition has not been disclosed, it was severe enough for doctors to recommend immediate retirement to avoid life-threatening risks. Oscar said he is grateful to be alive and that his family's health must come first.

A glittering career from São Paulo to Stamford Bridge

Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, known simply as Oscar, began his career at São Paulo before moving to Internacional. His performances caught the eye of Chelsea, who signed him in 2012 for a reported £25 million. He spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge, scoring 38 goals in 203 appearances and winning the Premier League title in 2014-15, the Europa League in 2013, and the League Cup in 2015. His creative flair, vision, and eye for goal made him a fan favourite, though his time in England was sometimes overshadowed by inconsistent form.

In 2017, Oscar made a controversial move to Shanghai SIPG (now Shanghai Port) for a then-record Chinese Super League fee of £60 million. At 25, many felt he was too young to leave European football, but the financial package was life-changing. Over seven seasons in China, he became the league's highest-paid player and a talismanic figure, scoring 62 goals and providing 102 assists in 215 appearances. He also earned 48 caps for Brazil, scoring 12 goals, and was part of the 2014 World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals.

Impact on Brazilian football and Chelsea legacy

Oscar's retirement closes the chapter on a player who once promised to be Brazil's next great number 10. At Chelsea, he was often deployed as an attacking midfielder or wide forward, but his best form came under José Mourinho in the 2014-15 title-winning season, where he contributed 8 goals and 8 assists in all competitions. His creativity and pressing ability were key to Mourinho's counter-attacking system. However, after a dip in form and the emergence of younger talents like Eden Hazard and Willian, Oscar's minutes dwindled, prompting his move to China.

For Brazil, Oscar was a regular under Luiz Felipe Scolari and Dunga, but his international career never quite reached the heights of his potential. He scored a memorable goal against Croatia in the 2014 World Cup opener and provided three assists in the tournament, but he was not selected for the 2018 World Cup squad. His premature exit from top-level football at 25 was a source of debate, with many arguing he could have achieved more in Europe.

What happens next

With his playing days over, Oscar has not announced his next steps. He has expressed interest in staying in football, possibly as a coach or ambassador. Given his experience in both European and Asian football, he could be a valuable mentor for young Brazilian players. His health will remain the priority, and he plans to take time to recover fully before making any career decisions.

Oscar's retirement serves as a stark reminder of the risks athletes face, even in their prime. At 34, he could have played for several more years, but his health has rightly taken precedence. Chelsea fans will remember him as a key part of a title-winning side, while Chinese football fans will recall him as one of the league's greatest ever imports.

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