Former Chelsea player Oscar might have to end his career, as media outlets in Brazil indicate that the athlete is under intensive care due to a cardiac condition.
The Brazilian offensive midfielder is thought to have abruptly become unwell while trying out an exercise bicycle in the course of a practice session with the Brazilian Serie A team Sao Paulo on Tuesday.
According to Globo, Oscar is getting treatment at the Israelita Einstein Hospital, where he is presently in the ICU.
Former Chelsea star Oscar hospitalized over heart issue as he considers retirement
The 34-year-old, who was at Stamford Bridge for five years prior to securing a £60million transfer to Shanghai Port in 2016, came back to his childhood club last December yet has appeared in only 21 matches for them.
Oscar most recently played for Sao Paulo in August versus Corinthians, where he sustained a fractured vertebrae following merely 20 minutes.
Globo stated that Oscar displayed indications of a heart irregularity during examinations for the fracture. The source mention they inquired with Sao Paulo about this back then, but the midfielder was supposedly declared suitable to keep participating.
In a statement on Tuesday, the club mentioned Oscar ‘presented an incident with cardiological changes’ and was ‘promptly attended to by the club’s professionals and the medical team from Einstein Hospital Israelita’ at the location.
They added: ‘The player was then taken to the hospital, where he is currently in stable condition and remains under observation for further tests to clarify the diagnosis.
‘As per standard procedure and respecting the player’s privacy, further information will be released as soon as there is an update from the medical team, in agreement with Oscar.’
Brazilian reports additionally state that Oscar is assessing the option of a mutual ending of his contract with Sao Paulo. His existing agreement runs until 2027.
Oscar signed a three-year contract with Sao Paulo following the transfer on December 25 last year, and shared his enthusiasm about returning ‘home’ to the club where everything started.
‘I’m happy to be back in Brazil and to be able to play for Sao Paulo, which is the club where I started out, where I made my base and where I grew up,’ he said in a statement.
He added: ‘I thank you for the affection I have received on social media these past few days and I will do my best to achieve great things together.’
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
