Pele: Chelsea samba star can fire Blues to title

By Nick Wright Monday, August 13, 2012
12:30 PM

EXCLUSIVE: Pele believes Chelsea’s £25million man Oscar can make the difference in the Blues’ hunt for Premier League glory

Pele is backing Oscar to be a hit at Chelsea. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Brazil legend Pele, the greatest footballer of all time, believes Chelsea new boy Oscar has the quality to land the Premier League title for the Blues.

The three-time World Cup winner made an appearance at London 2012’s closing ceremony last night, and was at Wembley on Saturday to see Oscar play 90 minutes for Brazil as they went down 2-1 to Mexico in the Olympic final.

And speaking exclusively to London24 at an event in London’s West End, Pele was full of praise for Chelsea’s Olympic silver medallist.

When asked if Oscar could help Chelsea to the title, Pele said: “Of course he can.”

Former Internacional midfielder Oscar gave Chelsea fans a taste of what is to come with some sparkling performances for Brazil at London 2012, and Pele thinks the 20-year-old can make a big impact at Stamford Bridge.

Comparing him to fellow Brazilian wonderkid Neymar, Pele highlighted Oscar’s ability to excel in a team as one of his strongest assets.

“Oscar is excellent,” said Pele.

“Neymar is more of an individual, but Oscar is a player who plays for the team.”

Due to his Olympic commitments, Oscar played no part in Chelsea’s 3-2 Community Shield defeat to Manchester City yesterday.

He is expected to take part in Brazil’s friendly against Sweden in Stockholm on Wednesday before joining up with his new Chelsea team-mates ahead of their Premier League opener against Wigan on Sunday.