Brazilian midfielder Oscar has finally opened up one a podcast with Mikel obi about a major career decision that could have changed his entire trajectory in European football,snubbing Tottenham Hotspur to sign for Chelsea.
Softfootball understands that the attacking midfielder, who played 203 games for the Blues, scored 38 goals, and provided 31 assists between 2012 and 2017, revealed how close he was to joining Spurs before Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea swooped in.
In a recent episode of the Obi One Podcast hosted by John Obi Mikel shared via the podcast official X handle, Oscar explained the circumstances behind the transfer. The Blues had been monitoring the then Internacional wonderkid for months, but tottenham was there lurking as then coach Andres Villa boas had called the Brazilian midfielder about a move to the north london club but in the end he chose the blues over spurs, watch full video below;
Oscar himself admitted that the decision was far from straightforward, but ultimately, Chelsea’s ambition made the difference. when asked if he had another club that attempted to sign him before chelsea , he said he tottenham came calling and Andres Villa boas the then tottenham coach will ask him why he didnt come to spurs, oscar insisted tottenmham and chelsea i can’t compare both chelsea is better and he had the oppotunties to win titles at chelsea which he eventually did .
That move would go on to define Oscar’s European career. At Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles, the Europa League, and the League Cup, while also becoming a fan favorite for his flair and tireless work rate. Its important highlight how pivotal Oscar’s role became under managers like José Mourinho and Antonio Conte, with Conte even describing him as his “12th man” during training
Interestingly Chelsea’s history of identifying and signing Brazilian talents doesn’t end with Oscar. Their recent acquisition of Estêvão Willian from Palmeiras and fellow countryman Joao Pedro from brighton is proof the club is still committed to sourcing skill, flair, and attacking potential from Brazil.
Looking back now, Oscar’s rejection of Spurs in favor of Chelsea seems almost destined. Spurs have since risen as a top-six Premier League regular, even going on to lift the Uefa Europa League earning them a shot at the Uefa super cup which was snatched out of their hands after PSG pulled off a remarkabe comeback win on penalties.
Still during Oscar’s prime years, Chelsea were lifting trophies and dominating on multiple fronts. For Oscar, the decision paid off handsomely not just in silverware, but in the legacy he left at Stamford Bridge and the security he built for his family.
