Former Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar faces a potential career-ending health crisis after being hospitalized with serious heart issues during training with Brazilian club Sao Paulo.
Emergency Hospitalization During Training
The Brazilian football star suddenly fell ill while testing an exercise bike during a training session with Serie A side Sao Paulo on Tuesday. Medical staff immediately attended to the 34-year-old before rushing him to Israelita Einstein Hospital, where he currently remains in the intensive care unit.
Club officials confirmed the seriousness of the situation in an official statement, noting that Oscar "presented an incident with cardiological changes" and received prompt medical attention from both club professionals and hospital specialists.
History of Health Concerns
This isn't the first health scare for the former Chelsea star. During tests for a fractured vertebrae suffered in August against Corinthians, medical staff detected signs of heart abnormalities. Brazilian outlet Globo reported they had questioned Sao Paulo about these findings at the time, but the midfielder was allegedly cleared to continue playing.
The vertebral fracture occurred just 20 minutes into Oscar's last appearance for Sao Paulo in August, highlighting a difficult period for the player since his emotional return to his boyhood club.
Contract Uncertainty and Retirement Considerations
Oscar's current situation has raised questions about his football future, with Brazilian reports indicating he's evaluating the possibility of an amicable contract termination with Sao Paulo. His current deal extends until 2027, having signed a three-year contract when he joined the club last December.
The midfielder's return to Sao Paulo was meant to be a triumphant homecoming. "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," Oscar had declared during his signing announcement on Christmas Day last year.
Hospital officials confirm the player is currently in stable condition but remains under close observation for additional tests to determine a precise diagnosis. The club has emphasized respecting Oscar's privacy, promising further updates will come through official medical channels in agreement with the player himself.
Oscar spent five successful years at Chelsea before his high-profile £60 million transfer to Chinese club Shanghai Port in 2016. His potential premature retirement would mark a sad conclusion to what has been a distinguished career spanning European, Asian, and South American football.
