Oscar has revealed to Sky Sports the extent of his frustration at a lack of playing time this season but insists he wants to stay at Chelsea and prove himself under new manager Antonio Conte.
The 24-year-old Brazil international has made 20 Premier League starts after an early-season injury and is reportedly attracting interest from a host of top European clubs including Juventus.
But, speaking ahead of their penultimate game of the season at Liverpool on Wednesday night, Oscar says Conte’s arrival is a clean slate for the entire Chelsea squad.
“It’s been very difficult for me,” Oscar told Sky Sports. “I had a great season last season, and I’m coming from two or three seasons of doing well, but I was one of those players who got injured at the start of the season.
“When I came back, the team wasn’t doing so well and I found myself on the bench and in and out of the first team. I didn’t achieve the level I wanted to achieve but hopefully next season I can do better.
“[The new manager’s arrival] is great for the players. Obviously you have to prove yourself. I’m sure the coach has been following all the players individually.
“It will be a breath of fresh air to the team and everyone’s excited to prove their worth to be here. Obviously I haven’t been very happy because I haven’t been playing very much but, with the new coach coming in, it’s a fresh beginning for everyone.”
Doubts remain, however, over the future of Chelsea’s long-standing captain John Terry, who is out of contract in June, and has not been given any indication yet from the club that he is in line for an extension.
Terry said on Tuesday that he still wants to stay at Stamford Bridge, while interim head coach Guus Hiddink believes the centre-back is worthy of a new deal, and Oscar also hopes the skipper will remain at the club.
He said: “His future is down to him and Chelsea to decide what’s best. Obviously I want him to stay but it’s down to them.
“He’s a great leader and he has helped me ever since I arrived here. I like him very much but he will know what’s best for his future and whatever he decides I’ll be happy for him.”
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