NEW YORK — Here’s something for A’s fans to look forward to a few years down the road, potentially: former Oakland star Yoenis Céspedes wants to finish his career with the A’s.

In a rare interview conducted entirely in English, Céspedes told The Chronicle on Friday before the Mets’ 7-5 win over Oakland that he’d love to wrap things up where he started.

“I wish that happens,” Céspedes said, adding “I told (former A’s and current Mets teammate Jerry) Blevins, ‘I don’t know how many years I’m going to play, but I’m going to play the last year of my career with Oakland.’ I don’t know if that’s possible or not, but that’s my goal.”

A series against the A’s means more to the outfielder than most because of his fond feeling for the team and for the fans, he said.

“I still love the A’s. They were the first team to give me an opportunity to play in the big leagues,” Céspedes said. “I love Oakland all the time.”

Céspedes also had a terrific relationship with manager Bob Melvin, another reason he’d like to return one day.

“I tell my guys here all the time that he’s the best manager for me so far,” Céspedes said. “I don’t think there’s a better manager than Melvin.”

“I know he enjoyed his time with us,” Melvin said. “We had good teams and a great clubhouse — which he was the center of. It doesn’t surprise me he’d want to come back.”

Céspedes’ comments to The Chronicle created a stir in the New York media and among Mets fans, although he was clear that he meant one year in Oakland at the very end of his career.

Some broadcasters interpreted his praise for Melvin as a dig at Mets manager Terry Collins, though Céspedes always has been upfront about his deep love and respect for Melvin, his first big-league manager.

Collins, told of Céspedes’ comments by reporters after the game, responded, “Bob’s a great manager. I don’t blame him.”

Céspedes told New York reporters after the game that he loves New York and is committed to the Mets, saying, “This is my home. This is my team.” But he reiterated that he would like to end his career in Oakland.

He also explained that he can compliment Melvin without it being a criticism of Collins. “With respect to the comments I made about their manager, that does not take away from my relationship with Terry,” Céspedes said.

Briefly: First baseman-outfielder Matt Olson rejoined the team Friday along with right-hander Frankie Montas. Olson, 23, struck out pinch-hitting in Friday’s loss in New York. He gives the A’s an extra bat off the bench during a series at a National League park, as the team goes to a five-man bench after using just three reserves most of the season. This is his fifth stint with the club; he hit four homers in 10 games his previous stay. ... Montas, 25, gave up two runs in an inning Friday; in six weeks at Triple-A Nashville, he was 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 211/3 inning and held opponents to a .213 average. ... Jharel Cotton threw a bullpen session before the game and might be an option to start Monday at Toronto. Chri s Smith, who has pitched well while Cotton has been out with a blister, is the other possibility.

Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer

On deck

Saturday

at Mets

4:10 p.m. NBCSCA

Manaea (8-5)

vs. Wheeler (3-7)

Sunday

at Mets

10:10 a.m. NBCSA

Gossett (1-5)

vs. Montero (1-6)

Monday

at Blue Jays

4:07 p.m. NBCSCA

TBA vs.

TBA

Leading off

Carter deal final: The A’s announced they have signed former Oakland first baseman Chris Carter to a minor-league deal. Carter, released by the Yankees this month, will provide depth at Triple-A Nashville.

— Susan Slusser