Former Shandong Luneng captain Jiao Zhe has announced his retirement after Beijing Renhe, the team he served last, was relegated to the China's third-tier league.

"I have no regrets about this decision, as I am very tired after having played football for so many years. I want to have a rest," the 39-year-old defender said on Monday.

Jiao made his Chinese top flight debut in 2000 with Shandong Luneng, making over 200 appearances for the Jinan-based side before joining Zhejiang Greentown on loan in January 2011. He also played in five matches for the Chinese national team between 2005 and 2008.

After spells with several other teams in China, Jiao moved to Beijing Renhe as a free agent in September this year, only to witness his new team's relegation to the third tier.

"I can accept relegation as life has to go on after all," he said. 

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