Oscar: 'I nearly joined Real Madrid'

Chelsea playmaker Oscar has revealed that he nearly joined Real Madrid before signing for the Premier League club.

The 22-year-old Brazilian international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Internacional in the summer of 2012 for nearly £20m.

However, he has now claimed that he was close to agreeing a contract with Spanish giants Madrid.

"A month before signing with Chelsea I was very close to accepting the offer of Real Madrid as [Jose] Mourinho wanted me greatly," Oscar told Globoesporte.

"But Real was full of players in the same position and I would not have had many opportunities."

Oscar has scored five goals in 16 appearances for Chelsea so far this season.