Oscar (L) of Shanghai Port FC in action in a 2021 CSL match against Dalian Professional FC in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Oscar joined up with Shanghai Port earlier this month, and coach Ivan Leko believes the return of the former Brazil international has made a significant difference to the team.
BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil international Oscar has brought significant changes to Shanghai Port following his return to the team earlier this month, said head coach Ivan Leko.
The midfielder joined up with the Shanghai side on July 1 after serving out his mandatory quarantine and has since helped them win two Chinese Super League matches in a row.
Oscar scored a crucial penalty in Shanghai's 1-0 win over Guangzhou FC last Friday after providing an assist in last Monday's 2-1 defeat of Hebei FC.
"He made a big difference to my side. He is the best player on the team, and his return is a great reinforcement," Leko said at Sunday's pre-match press conference.
"Though he trained with the team for a limited time, he demonstrated respectable attitude and desire to help the team," Leko added.
Shanghai Port head coach Ivan Leko (2nd R) gestures to his players in a CSL match against Shanghai Shenhua in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 29, 2022. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Shanghai Port faces league leader Wuhan Three Towns on Monday. Without Oscar, they lost to the newly-promoted team 2-1 in their first encounter this season.
Leko did not confirm or deny rumours which claimed that Oscar would return to Brazil after Monday's game to deal with personal issues.
"As a foreigner, I cannot read Chinese reports. For the time being, Oscar is still with us preparing for the next game. I also asked him to be prepared for this game," he said.
"We have no idea of other things," he added. ■