The Chinese Super League season is about to come to an end, and Beijing Guoan will host Guangzhou Evergrande in their last match on Saturday.
Four-time defending champions Evergrande, currently top the table, two points ahead of SIPG, and need a win to ensure they retain the title. But Beijing and their veteran midfielder Shao Jia'Yi, will aim for a repeat of history from last year at this time.
In the same away match last season, Guangzhou needed to beat Beijing to secure the title with one match to spare. However, Guoan's Shao scored a late free kick winner, delaying Guangzhou from hoisting the title.
Evergrande will once again be an important opponent for the goalscorer, as the 35-year-old has announced his retirement, and this match will be his last in the green of Guoan.
In case there was any hope that the veteran might reconsider, the capital club just held a press conference this afternoon in which an emotional Shao announced his retirement from football.
Shao started his football career in 1999 playing for top tier side Beijing Guoan. Three years later he joined Bundesliga side TSV Munich, and played for Energie Cottbus and Duisburg after that.
On December 13th, 2011, Shao returned to the Chinese Super League to rejoin his former club Beijing Guoan where he wears number 29 which is fitting as his last game will be played on the 29th of October. After hanging up his boots, he is expected to work for Guoan.