Zheng Zhi (L) of Guangzhou FC reacts after getting substituted by teammate Huang Bowen during the 19th round match against Jiangsu Suning at the 2020 season of the Chinese Super League Suzhou Division in Suzhou on Nov. 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Bo)
Guangzhou FC captain Zheng Zhi says he will call time on his playing career if he becomes a liability to his team.
The 40-year-old has started all four of Guangzhou's Chinese Super League games so far this season, prompting critics to suggest that his continued presence in the side is detrimental to the development of the club's younger players.
"Our team has been hit by injuries this season, so I played more games. I heard some voices saying I am old and should give more chances to the young players," said Zheng, who played in Britain for Charlton Athletic and Celtic between 2007 and 2010.
"But there is no contradiction between my playing and the development of the young players. I play because I can help the team. I will stop if I become a liability to the team," he said.
