Oscar dreaming of Brazil recall

Shanghai SIPG midfielder Oscar remains hopeful of a recall to the Brazil squad as he prepares for his third season with the Chinese Super League club.

The most recent of Oscar’s 47 Brazil caps came in November 2015, but the 27-year-old insists that he still has plenty to offer on the international stage.

“It’s always a dream to play for the national team,” the former Selecao No 10 said in an interview with Brazil’s Lance newspaper published on Sunday.

“I spent a lot of time with the national team and I love playing for my country. Everyone knows my quality ... and the way I play. If I do well I could return to the Brazilian team but my focus is on Shanghai. If I’m happy and playing my best football, things will happen naturally.”

Oscar has been one of the most influential midfielders in the CSL since his December 2016 move to Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea.

Last year he helped the Red Eagles claim their first CSL crown, ending Guangzhou Evergrande’s seven-year grip on the championship.

He is confident of more success this year with SIPG, which kicks off its title defense with a derby clash against Shanghai Shenhua on Friday.

“I was very happy to have won an unprecedented title with Shanghai last year,” the former Sao Paulo and Internacional player said.

“We didn’t feel too much pressure from the fans because they knew what we were capable of.

“It was very satisfying to make them happy and break Guangzhou’s sequence. Our aim is to win all competitions that we play in and we will do everything we can to achieve that.”