With the new manager keen to build a young China squad, Zheng Zhi maintained his strong performance at club level, skippering Guangzhou to their fourth Chinese Super League title and the
last-eight in the AFC Champions League.
His brilliant form did not go unnoticed when he was called back to the national side after seven months. Zheng Zhi made an immediate impact upon his return, opening the scoring to steer China to a spirited 2-1 friendly victory against Paraguay.
"I am happy to come back to the national team, " Zheng continued, revealing his hopes of an ideal ending to what will
likely be his Asian Cup swansong. "It was my childhood dream to represent the country so I am always ready to do my national service.
