Shang called up some veteran players like Pu and goalkeeper Han Wenxia while injecting fresh faces into the team to inspire fighting spirits.

"I am not sure if I could become a starter in the squad," Pu said. "It depends on my performance, so I have to work hard."

"During the time playing with Sun and other teammates, I was just a new face," Pu said,"But now, I am the most experienced one here."

Pu has been trying hard to improve her physical fitness since the latest comeback. On May 28, she was sent to play in the match against Vietnam in Asian Cup. Despite an appearance of just 10-minute, Pu has demonstrated she could still play an important role on the team.

The Asian Cup was surely not Pu's ultimate goal. In her eyes, the Beijing Olympic Games is far more important.

Coincidentally, just before the final of women's soccer at the Olympics on Aug., Pu will celebrate her 28th birthday. An Olympic medal would be the most precious birthday gift she could ever get.

"We'll try to go as far as possible," Pu said. "But what I am thinking about is just the opening match against Sweden."

Undoubtedly, the Steel Roses still need Pu. But the veteran player is expected to announce another retirement once she finishes her third Olympics.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)