Football
ESPN staff 9y

Oscar 'very happy' at Chelsea despite Juventus links

Oscar has said he has no intention of leaving Chelsea despite speculation over his future, telling Sky Sports: "I'm very happy here."

Oscar, who joined Chelsea from Internacional in 2012, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Juventus reported to be among the interested parties.

Jose Mourinho spoke highly of the Brazilian after taking charge at Chelsea in 2013 and installed him in the team ahead of Juan Mata, who was offloaded to Manchester United midway through the season.

However, Oscar has struggled to maintain his form over the course of a season and Mourinho said after substituting the player at half-time during the recent 2-1 win over Stoke: "I don't think he had a bad performance, I just think he was not good enough, which is a huge difference."

The 23-year-old, though, said he is not thinking about a move away from the Premier League leaders.

"I'm very happy here," Oscar told the "Saturday Night Football" programme. "I get along with everyone, and the club shows its praise towards me. Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world, so I don't see why I would think of leaving.

"I'm very happy with Chelsea's season so far and happy with my own performance as well, but I do think I could have contributed more to the team. There are different tactics depending on the opponents we face, and we respect the manager's choices. Sometimes I've ended up not playing the entire match, but I'm doing my best to fulfil my role. I'm happy with my performances."

Former Chelsea midfielder Boudewijn Zenden, who worked as assistant manager to Rafa Benitez during Oscar's debut season at Stamford Bridge, said it would be a mistake for the club to cash in.

"I obviously worked with Oscar and I think he is a great player," he told talkSPORT. "When he first came over he had to adapt to the Premier League and he wasn't very strong physically, but he can put a shift in, he runs a lot, he works hard, he scores his goals, he sets up his teammates.

"He is a fantastic player. I wouldn't sell him. It is not for nothing that Oscar plays for Brazil as well, which is a massive, strong side."

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