Doha, Jan 12 (IANS) Shanghai SIPG's new Brazilian signing Oscar believes the cash-rich Chinese Super League could soon rival the best football club competitions in Europe.
Oscar joined a growing list of high profile footballers to move to China last month when he signed with Shanghai SIPG from London club Chelsea for a reported $74 million, reports Xinhua.
Asked whether he has come to a low quality league after playing in the English Premier League (EPL) from 2012 to 2016, the 25-year-old said here: "I don't think it is a step down.
"I think in China they are making a great project for me and all the good players that are coming to the league. I am pretty sure that in the future the Chinese league will be one of the best leagues in the world."
The Brazilian international's transfer was followed days later by Shanghai Shenhua's signing of Argentina veteran striker Carlos Tevez for a reported $90 million.
Other big names to join Chinese clubs in recent times are Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Demba Ba (Shanghai Shenhua) and Ezequiel Lavezzi (Hebei China Fortune).
Oscar is said to be earning a weekly salary of almost $500,000, while Tevez's wage is reportedly $760,000 a week.
"This happens with every player, if it wasn't for money I wouldn't leave Brazil," Oscar said.
"When you go to Europe you go because of the money and because of the good clubs also, and in Shanghai the project is to be one of the best leagues.
"Of course it was also good for me and my family and for everyone involved in the transfer."
The 25-year-old added that he agreed to the move almost immediately. "It didn't take long, everybody accepted it was a good deal for all sides, so it was a quick deal," he said.
Oscar is confident of adding to his 47 Brazil caps, citing Paulinho and Renato Augusto as China-based players that are currently in the Selecao's starting eleven.
"I don't think that will be a problem. If I am playing good for my team I will be in the national team without a problem," he said.
--IANS
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