Shanghai Port captain Oscar holds the Chinese Super League trophy and celebrates with teammates on November 2, 2024 in Shanghai. Photo: IC

After nearly eight memorable years in China, Brazilian footballer Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior, commonly known as Oscar, is contemplating whether to stay as his contract with Chinese Super League (CSL) club Shanghai Port nears its expiration at the end of 2024. 

During Shanghai Port's final game of the season last week at Pudong Football Stadium in Shanghai, an emotional Oscar couldn't hold back his tears as fans passionately chanted for their captain to stay. 

"I have stayed here for quite a long time because I love the city, I love the club, I love so many things here," Oscar told the Global Times during a recent exclusive interview. "I will make a decision that will be 100 percent good for both sides. After almost eight years, the club respects me, and I respect the club. So we have a very good relationship."  

Oscar joined Shanghai Port in 2017 from the English Premier League side Chelsea on a record-breaking transfer fee of 60 million euros ($63.36 million) - a figure that remains unmatched in CSL history. 

With a reported annual salary of 24 million euros, Oscar became one of the highest-paid players in the world. 

However, recent salary cap regulations imposed by the Chinese Football Association, capping foreign players' annual salaries at 3 million euros, have fueled speculation that Oscar's departure is imminent.