China defender Zhang backtracks on retirement claim
China's veteran defender Zhang Linpeng has changed his decision to retire from international football, choosing to stay with the Chinese side that is struggling in its FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Zhang Linpeng in action during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Singapore and China at the National Stadium in Singapore on March 21, 2024. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
The 34-year-old, who claimed he was considering retirement from the national team after they were held to a 2-2 draw at Singapore last Thursday in the World Cup qualifier, is now with the Chinese side in Tianjin to prepare for the two sides' rematch on Tuesday.
"I think it's time for me to call it a day on my international career," he said in despondency after the Singapore game, claiming the result was unacceptable.
Now, he has changed his mind after talks with the team's coaching staff, he said.
"Thanks to communication with the coaching group, I realized that retirement was not the only option," he said.
"I decided to stay on. As long as the national team needs me, I will go all out and hold on to the end," he said.
"I originally meant to make room for young players. I am sure they can fill the vacancy that I intended to leave," he said of his retirement claim.
"What I said might have brought some impact to the team. I should have paid more attention to the way that I expressed my intention," he added.
China now sits third in Group C of the Asian World Cup qualifying tournament with a 2-1 win away to Thailand, a 3-0 home loss to South Korea and a 2-2 tie with Singapore.
South Korea leads the group with seven points. Thailand ranks second with four points after prevailing 3-1 at Singapore and drawing 1-1 at South Korea. Singapore stays last with one point.
The top two finishers of the group will advance to the 18-team third stage of the Asian qualifying tournament.
Related articles
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines blamed Chinese fishermen on Monday for a massive loss of2024-05-21Is Roblox safe for kids? Father
A gamer whose son started playing Roblox aged just four years old has revealed the pitfalls and safe2024-05-21Queen Letizia of Spain shines in a smart tweed dress as she joins King Felipe in Madrid
Queen Letizia of Spain looked stunning in a smart tweed dress on Tuesday morning as she joined her h2024-05-21DEI bans: Conservative quest to limit diversity programs gains momentum
A conservative quest to limit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is gaining momentum in sta2024-05-21Yvette Fielding says her Most Haunted co
Yvette Fielding claims her Most Haunted co-star Derek Acorah was a fake who tried to grope and kiss2024-05-21- OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican-led states are rushing to give broader immigration enforcement power2024-05-21
atest comment