Chinese national soccer team captain Zhang Linpeng in a training session on March 23, 2024 in Tianjin Photo: VCG

Chinese national team captain Zhang Linpeng has retracted his retirement decision from the national team as he insisted that he would give all his energy to finding a replacement if needed.

"As long as the country still needs me, I will give my all and persevere till the end," he said in state broadcaster China Central Television's program Soccer Night. 

After the 2-2 draw with Singapore on an away pitch, Zhang, a 34-year-old center-back who currently plays for Chinese Super League giant Shanghai Port, was quoted as saying he wants to end his national team career after the "unacceptable and disgraceful" result to Singapore. 

Zhang's error in the second half is believed to be the main reason for Singapore being able to equalize in the game, a result that disappointed many Chinese fans as well as new head coach Branko Ivankovic, who took over from Aleksandar Jankovic following the team's Asian Cup group stage exit.

However, Zhang said that he has acknowledged that his expressions lacked thorough consideration, putting unnecessary pressure on the team and his teammates. He apologized to the entire team for this.

However, following discussions with the coaching staff led by Branko Ivankovic, Zhang's decision seems to have shifted.

"After two days of serious contemplation, I realize that retirement is not the only option," Zhang said. "Whether as a starter or a substitute, or even if I can't play, as long as I can contribute to the national team; as long as the country still needs me, I will give my all and persevere to the end."

Zhang revealed that he has to take injections to be fit for a 90-minute match nowadays, as a lasting knee injury has significantly affected his competitive state. Despite this, he insists on playing through the pain, treating every game as if it were his last with the national team.

World No.88 China are currently ranked third in the four-team Group C, three points ahead of bottom-placed Singapore. The two teams will go face to face again on March 26 in Tianjin.