Oscar has said goodbye ahead of Shanghai SIPG move - Willian

Posted Sunday, December 18, 2016 by ESPN

Oscar has said goodbye to his Chelsea teammates as he prepares to complete a £60 million move to Shanghai SIPG in January, Willian has confirmed.

A source close to Oscar on Tuesday told ESPN FC that the 25-year-old was weighing up an offer from the Chinese Super League club that would make him Chelsea's record sale, eclipsing the £50m received from Paris Saint-Germain for David Luiz in the summer of 2014.

Oscar was subsequently quoted by Brazilian network Globo as saying the deal was "90 percent" done, and in a news conference on Friday, Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte admitted that he would be sorry to see the midfielder leave despite understanding the appeal of Shanghai SIPG's offer.

"[Oscar] has already said goodbye. He's a good friend and a great player," Willian told ESPN Brasil after Chelsea's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, in which Oscar was not involved.

"I wish him and his family all the best. A footballer's career can be quick, and when an offer like this comes in you have to think of your family. You want to be prepared for when you have to stop playing."

The move to China will see Oscar massively increase the £90,000-a-week wages he is currently on at Stamford Bridge and link up with former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, as well as fellow Brazilians Hulk and Elkeson.

Asked about Oscar's imminent move on Friday, Conte said: "Oscar is a really good player. For me, I was very proud to have him in my squad and have him as my player. I'm proud of his attitude, his commitment and his behaviour, which have been fantastic.

"I have great respect for every decision made by a single player. If you ask me 'Are you sorry?' then yes, I am sorry. I am sorry because he's leaving as a really good player and a really good man. I must be honest about this. But, also, I understand him."

Oscar's transfer is expected to be formally announced in the next few days, before the Premier League and Chinese Super League transfer windows reopen for business on Jan. 1.