Chelsea fan favourite Oscar now looks set to retire. ESPN Brazil reports that the former Blues midfielder has told people close to him that he will end his playing career following last month’s serious health scare in São Paulo.
As we covered at the time, the 34-year-old fainted during routine tests at São Paulo’s training ground. He spent five days under observation at the hospital.
Oscar was diagnosed with a vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. According to those present, the incident was intense enough that Oscar was left without a pulse for around 50 seconds. It deeply affected everyone involved.
With this context, the Brazilian outlet claims Oscar has made up his mind about retiring. Now the club is preparing to speak with him in the coming days.
São Paulo had already removed any pressure by allowing him unlimited time to rest and recover, and the midfielder even put on the training kit last week. However, the decision now appears to be settled. Talks will focus on understanding next steps rather than convincing him to continue.
ESPN adds that São Paulo are studying a plan to keep Oscar at the club in a non-playing role if he wishes, since his contract runs until the end of 2027. The midfielder made 21 appearances this season, scoring twice and assisting five times.
For Chelsea fans, it marks a definitive moment. One of the club’s standout players of the 2010s is preparing to close his career, with only the formal conversation with São Paulo still to come.