In the prelude to the new season of the Chinese Super League, a number of veteran figures gradually faded out of the top stage. This is not only the club in line with the trend of the times of the old and new, but also the natural home of the veteran career. After all, time does not wait, many 35-year-old veterans choose to end their careers. And even if the veterans stick to their positions, with the accumulation of age, their chances of appearances also plummeted. In order to maintain the competitive state, they have to seek transfer opportunities, some even joined the relegation of the team, in order to continue the career of the fire, feel the passion of the field, and at the same time to show the afterglow, show the value of the individual.
Shenhua announced the return of the old giants with a home win over last season's runners-up Taishan in the first round of the competition. However, 38-year-old Feng Xiaoting was not in the starting lineup, and he was nowhere to be found among the 15 teams in the Chinese Super League. Rumor has it that Feng Xiaoting may have retired. Age and declining athleticism have made it seemingly impossible for him to fulfill the rigid requirements of the Chinese Super League. Despite appearing in eight games for Shenhua in 2022, his performance was mediocre. Feng Xiaoting weighed his options and accepted the call of the Dongguan Federation to embark on a journey to the Central League. The move was seen as a re-emergence of the veteran. Despite the limited strength of his opponents, Feng Xiaoting's move was not based on popularity alone. Feng Xiaoting is not only the captain of the national soccer team, but also the captain of the Guangzhou team, and his rich experience is what the Dongguan Federation desperately needs. Unsurprisingly, Feng Xiaoting will take on the role of team leader. Feng Xiaoting has played 76 matches for the national soccer team, contributing 1 goal. He has played for Guancheng, Sidel, Guangzhou and Shenhua, and left his mark in the K-League with Daegu FC and Jeonbuk Hyundai. Two AFC Champions League titles, three Super Cups, seven Chinese Super League titles, two FA Cups, and a Golden Ball honor witnessed his brilliance. Now, he has opted for relegation, again for the first time in Feng Xiaoting's 20-year career. The 38-year-old veteran focuses more on his love for soccer than title chasing. In addition to Feng Xiaoting, Dongguan United also brought in three new recruits, Wang Xingqiang, Huang Chuqi and Su Shihao. The reinforcement of the team's lineup has brought the relegation goal closer.
