Former Chelsea star Oscar returned to Brazil to join Sao Paulo, ending his eight-year stint in the Chinese Super League (CSL).
The attacking midfielder, 33, has spent the last eight seasons playing for Shanghai Port after joining the club for £60million from Chelsea in December 2016, when he signed a deal worth £400,000 a week.
Oscar moved to China at the height of the CSL league boom, where several foreign superstars were being signed for astronomical fees and huge contracts.
However, while most of those stars left as the financial landscape changed, Oscar remained in Shanghai, winning the CSL title three times, while also lifting the FA Cup and Chinese Super Cup.
He is considered the best foreign player in CSL history after scoring 77 goals and adding 141 assists in 248 appearances.
Oscar has signed a three-year contract with Sao Paulo – which is the club where he began his professional career – and expressed his excitement at returning ‘home’ after the news was made public.
Former Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar returned to Brazil to join Sao Paulo
Move to Sao Paulo ends Oscar’s eight years in China with Shanghai port
Oscar broke down in tears while saying goodbye to fans in Shanghai earlier this month.
“I am happy to be back in Brazil and to be able to play for Sao Paulo, which is the club where I started, where I made my base and where I grew up,” the 33-year-old said in a statement.
“I thank you for the love I have received on social media these past few days and I will do everything I can to achieve great things together.”
Sao Paulo president Julio Casares praised Oscar, who played 48 times for Brazil between 2011 and 2016, as “a super reinforcement”, and the 33-year-old also paid an emotional tribute to Shanghai following his departure.
“Today officially closes a chapter that has deeply influenced my life,” he said on social media on Christmas Eve.
“After eight years wearing this shirt, it is difficult to describe the complex emotions I feel when saying goodbye.
‘They were intense years, full of work, dedication and, above all, victories. Together we won everything possible, and this was only achieved thanks to the unconditional support of all of us who are part of this club and its fans. I want to thank the club for believing in me from day one.
‘The trust, support and conditions they always provided were fundamental for my growth as a player and as a person. “I take with me incredible memories and the certainty that I gave everything for this club.”
The 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder (center) is considered the best foreign player in CSL history
Oscar paid an emotional tribute to the port of Shanghai and his fans when his departure was announced.
Oscar continued: ‘I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride for everything we accomplished together. This club will always be my home, and this hobby, my family.
‘Thank you for these 8 unforgettable years. Thanks for everything. With love and gratitude, Oscar Emboaba.’
The Port of Shanghai also paid tribute, adding: ‘Thank you and take care. We wish our heroic captain all the best.”
This came after OScar broke down in tears as he said goodbye to Shanghai fans earlier this month.
Images shared on social media after his final match for the club against Gwangju FC on December 3 showed the tearful midfielder with his head in his hands waving an emotional farewell to the fans.
As Shanghai Port fans chanted the Brazilian’s name, Oscar bowed his head and cried before his teammates surrounded him and dressed him in a club scarf.
Spanish store Brand reported how Oscar earned €175m (£145.1m) during his eight years in China.
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old previously played 14 times for Sao Paulo as a teenager before joining Internacional in 2010 in a move that sparked discontent among the teams.
Marca reported that Oscar, who was said to earn £400,000 a week, earned £145 million in China.
Oscar previously played for Chelsea between 2012 and 2016 before moving to China for £60m.
The Brazilian also scored 38 goals in 203 games for Chelsea between 2012 and 2016, winning the Premier League, League Cup and Europa League during his time at the club.
In May last year, Oscar had opened the door to a shock return to Stamford Bridge, stating it would be a “dream”.
“Of course it’s a dream to come back to Chelsea,” he told talkSPORT. “Everyone knows the passion I have for this club.
‘I have very good memories from there… I still have the dream of playing for this team. “So if I can go back to Europe or to Chelsea, I hope we can talk.”
However, the silky midfielder will return to action on January 15 for Sao Paulo when the new Brazilian league season begins.