Chelsea midfielder Oscar thanks Brazilian colleagues for smooth transition to English football

13-Mar-2013 7:50:00 PM

The 21-year-old Brazilian believes the presence of his international team-mates Ramires and David Luiz have hastened the bedding in period in his maiden season at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea forward Oscar has thanked his Brazilian team-mates Ramires and David Luiz for helping him settle in at the Premier League club following his summer arrival.

The 21-year-old has scored nine times for the west London outfit and cites his friendship with his compatriots as being vital to his adaptation to the English game.

The youngster told the club's official website: “It was very important for me to have them [Ramires and Luiz] here and my adaptation has been so much quicker because of them being here.

“They helped me so much and off the pitch we are good friends. We get along very well and I am sure this will continue throughout our careers here."

Oscar was recently given the No.10 shirt for Brazil and he revealed his delight at following in the footsteps of the likes of Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Kaka and Ronaldinho.

“To wear the number 10 for your country is a very special thing," he added. "This was not only my dream, but the dream of every single Brazilian.”

Stamford Bridge will host an international friendly between Oscar’s Brazil and Russia on 25 March and the diminutive playmaker would love to feature in the game, with the possibility of scoring a goal leaving him lost for words.

He added: “To play at Stamford Bridge for Brazil would be great. To play for the national team is already special but to do it here would be a very special occasion.

“If I score a goal, I can’t even explain. It is already such a special occasion to play at the home of my club for my country.

“I hope I can play in this game and then go on to play in the World Cup.”