On October 20, at the age of 39 years and 22 days, Xiao Zhi announced that he would hang up his boots. He had envisioned that he would be able to continue to fight across the age of forty, like South Korean superstar Lee Tong-guk, but the dream ended up stopping. However, Xiao Zhi revealed that, for the approaching retirement, he has long been prepared for the psychological preparation.
In fact, last winter, Xiao Zhi had already set foot in the mountain city of Chongqing to join the A-level class of coaches for further study. On July 1 this year, he formally put on the front line, become the assistant coach of the first team of Guangdong Guangzhou Leopard. When it comes to retirement, Xiao Zhi seems to be calm and unhurried. In the past six months, he was more immersed in the thought of how to transition to a new role for the national soccer team. Interestingly, despite not being forty years old, Xiao Zhi still carries a wish in his heart: "Next year, I want to try to fight again in the Provincial Cup."
Question by Sports Reporter: "Xiao Zhi, your soccer career started in Guangzhou and ended here, what do you feel about this?"
Xiao Zhi responded, "Strictly speaking, Guangzhou is the starting point of my journey to soccer and the end of my career. I made the leap from the local team to the national team here, and my relationship with Guangzhou is deep and emotional. Of course, I started my soccer career in Luoyang and played for Henan for nine years, so I also have a deep affection for my hometown."
Xiao Zhi has revealed that he hopes to return to the Provincial Hong Kong Cup in early January next year. He has competed in the tournament several times and won the title only twice. This year, Guangzhou Panthers' performance has been up and down, and he expects to build on it. In addition, he contributed a goal this year, and he is confident: "Let's see if we can fight again."
Reporter laments, "You mentioned you hoped to play until you were 40, but ultimately it didn't work out ......"
Xiao Zhi confessed, "Indeed, I had dreamed of playing until I was 40 years old, and even hoped to witness Guangzhou Panthers being promoted from the Central League to the Chinese Super League. However, as a professional player, retirement is inevitable. In recent years, I have been thinking about the transition, for which I have made full preparations. So, when retirement comes, I have been mentally prepared for 2-3 years to face it openly."
The reporter was curious: "What do you think about the fact that many people think that you can mentor young players, especially since you've played quite a bit this year and scored a lot of goals?"
Xiao Zhi said, "Indeed, I have discussed this issue with Zhi (Zheng Zhi). As veterans, we can set an example in front of the younger players. The phenomenon of Japanese players retiring in their forties is also a trend. But occupying the same position for a long time is not the best option either. My personal experience has shown me that very few Chinese strikers stand out in the fierce competition. I sympathize with the situation of Chinese strikers and hope that more opportunities will be given to local players."
The sports reporter mentioned, "This year the Guangzhou Panthers have emerged with many newcomers, among which 17-year-old Tang Tianyi has been outstanding, and it was he who assisted on your last goal."
Xiao Zhi lamented, "I think it's a legacy. Before I retired, I remained young at heart. Playing side by side with the middle generation and young players, I feel that we are still in the same age group. But when I see them on the field, it's like I see myself back then, and a lot of emotions come up in my heart. I really appreciate the talent of the young players and hope they can achieve better results, set long-term goals and even have the chance to play in Europe."
The sportswriter asked, "How will you guide them as an assistant coach?"
Xiao Zhi said: "I hope to pass on my experience and insights of more than twenty years to young athletes, guiding them to engage in this sport correctly and avoiding detours. Our generation has experienced many twists and turns, and not enough to pay. Cultivating good players is a huge project, and every detail is crucial. It does take a long time and hard work to reach the achievements of Son."
The sports reporter asked, "What are your plans for your future?"
Shaw replied, "First of all, set new goals, no matter what you do. Secondly, keep learning. Soccer is evolving rapidly, and even when you retire you have to keep learning. Just as young players may need to go through 2-3 promotions during their growth, as a coach I also need to pursue higher levels of progress, all of which are mutually reinforcing."
