Current location:World Wave news portal > world
China defender Zhang backtracks on retirement claim
World Wave news portal2024-05-21 09:40:58【world】4People have gathered around
IntroductionChina's veteran defender Zhang Linpeng has changed his decision to retire from international foo
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.
Address of this article:http://ukraine.downmusic.org/article-12b399685.html
Very good!(5771)
Related articles
- Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
- Senior Chinese legislator emphasizes importance of handling ethnic affairs according to the law
- China condemns slander against Hong Kong's Safeguarding National Security Bill
- Newcastle routs Tottenham at home again as Isak scores twice in 4
- Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
- Poverty eradication with Chinese characteristics
- A ticking bomb
- To build even closer relations between China, Central Asian countries
- Britain's new bonkers EV: Callum Skye is an £80k electric buggy built in Warwickshire
- Tennessee Vols wrap up spring practice with Nico Iamaleava finally under center
Popular articles
Recommended
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
U.S. a total hypocrite when it comes to safeguarding cybersecurity
Game of lies
Commentary: U.S. needs to honor commitments with actions to improve ties with China
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
Griezmann scores 2 as Atletico Madrid beats Girona 3
China urges U.S. to release details of bio
Who is unhappy about Syria's return to the Arab League?
Links
- Kentucky Derby to remain on NBC through 2032 in extension with Churchill Downs
- Third round of China Open canceled because of thunder and lightning. Event shortened to 54 holes
- Diane Kruger exudes modern elegance in off
- I celebrate World Naked Gardening Day every day
- South Sudan removes newly imposed taxes that had triggered suspension of UN food airdrops
- Sia files to legally change her name one year after marrying second husband Dan Bernad
- Ben Yedder scores two as Monaco beats Clermont 4
- A British Palestinian doctor was denied entry to France for a Senate meeting about the war in Gaza
- Bradley Cooper the doting dad holds hands with daughter Lea De Seine, seven
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Titans to stay alive in IPL