Conte questions Oscar´s passion ahead of proposed China move

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has questioned Oscar’s passion for the game ahead of the Brazil international’s proposed move to Chinese outfit Shanghai SIPG.

Oscar confirmed this week that he is on his way out of Stamford Bridge and Conte is not impressed by the 25-year-old attacking midfielder’s decision to chase the money in the Chinese Super League at this stage of his career.

“Before the money must be the passion, the passion for football,” Conte said at a news conference.

“We started to play when we were children without money, only passion. Then came money, but the passion is more important than money for me. If you have not got that passion, it is no good.

“Oscar is a really good player. I was very proud to have him in my squad and have him as my player. 

“I am proud of his attitude, his commitment and his behaviour, which have been fantastic. I have great respect for every decision made by a player. If you ask me, ‘Are you sorry?’ then yes, I am sorry. I am sorry because he is leaving as a really good player and a really good man.

“But I understand him and his decision. As a player, you have to take the best decision. Sometimes you can say no, but other times you have to say yes. They are offering a lot of money. Maybe you only think about it for one second or 10 seconds, but it is very difficult not to think about it if the offer is amazing.”