Former Chelsea star Oscar set to retire after heart issue scare: reports

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is reportedly set to retire from professional football after doctors discovered a heart-related issue following a collapse during training with Brazilian club Sao Paulo, according to multiple media reports.

The 34-year-old was taken to the hospital after falling ill while using an exercise bike during an interval test at the club's training ground. The Brazilian was admitted to the intensive care unit as a precaution, with further medical checks revealing he had suffered vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, reported Goal.com.

Oscar has since informed São Paulo of his intention to step away from football, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.

The development marks a sudden and emotional end to a career that saw Oscar rise through the ranks at Sao Paulo, establish himself at Chelsea, and later enjoy a lucrative spell in Chinese football.

His return to his boyhood club last year was seen as a homecoming, but his season was disrupted by a fractured vertebra, during which early concerns about his heart were reportedly detected.

Following the latest scare, Oscar reassured fans via social media, writing: "Everything will be alright, God willing."

Oscar joined Chelsea in 2012 and went on to make 203 appearances for the club, scoring 38 goals and winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the League Cup. He later spent nearly eight years in China before returning to Brazil.

He has earned 48 caps for Brazil, scoring 12 goals, and has won the Copa America and FIFA Confederations Cup with the national team.