The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has announced the retirement of Chinese defender Zhang Yuxi after his contract expired in June 2019.

Zhang was a key member of China's national team and played a significant role in their success at the World Cup in 2018. He made over 40 appearances for the Chinese national team and scored three goals.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Zhang also had a successful off-field career, helping his club Shenhua Shanghai Sharks achieve great success in the Chinese Super League.

However, with the club struggling financially, Shenhua decided to reduce their budget and cut back on spending. This led to a decrease in financial resources, which ultimately affected the quality of training and development of players.

As a result, Zhang Yuxi and other Chinese players were not able to receive adequate support and training, leading to concerns about their health and performance.

Furthermore, Shenhua's decision to cut back on spending may have caused a loss in revenue, which could impact their ability to attract top talent and invest in new projects.

Overall, the retirement of Zhang Yuxi is a reminder that financial pressures can impact both the success of athletes and clubs alike. It is important for all parties involved to work together to find solutions that benefit everyone involved.