Former Brazil international Oscar has revealed details of the heart condition that forced him to retire from professional football at the age of 34, while reflecting on his years in China and sharing his outlook for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to China Media Group in his first interview since announcing his retirement from the game, the former Shanghai Port captain said a medical emergency during training ultimately led to his decision to step away from the sport.

Oscar explained that he suffered a heart problem and briefly lost consciousness while training. Although surgery was successful and he is able to live a normal life, doctors advised him against continuing as a professional athlete.

The former Chelsea midfielder said the decision was easier to accept because it was necessary for his health, though he acknowledged he could have continued playing for several more years under different circumstances.

Despite a premature ending to his career, Oscar said he is satisfied with what he achieved in football, having represented Brazil and played for major clubs in his home country, Europe and China.

During the interview, the former Brazil national team player spoke about his eight-year spell with Shanghai Port, where he became one of the Chinese Super League's most influential foreign stars. Oscar described the experience as one of the most important periods of his life, both professionally and personally.

He credited his success in China to respecting the league and adapting to a new football environment, while expressing pride in helping The Red Eagles become one of the country's dominant clubs.

Oscar also spoke warmly about life in Shanghai, calling it one of the best cities he has experienced. He praised the city's safety, convenience and quality of life, noting that his family enjoyed living there and that his children spent much of their childhood in China.

The three-time Chinese Super League winner added that he hopes to return to China in the future, potentially for a proper farewell to Shanghai Port supporters and to continue building connections between China and Brazil through football.

Turning to the World Cup, Oscar identified France, Argentina and Spain as the leading contenders for the title, citing the continuity and long-term development of those national teams.

However, he believes Brazil remains firmly in the conversation despite recent inconsistency.

"Brazil always becomes very strong when it comes to the World Cup," he said. "They also have a young and very strong team."

Oscar emphasized that momentum and confidence can quickly change the course of a tournament, adding that Brazil has every opportunity to grow stronger as the competition progresses.

While his playing days are over, Oscar's affection for China remains unchanged, and the former midfielder hopes his next life chapter will allow him to maintain the close ties he built in nearly a decade living in Shanghai.