[2] The following seasons saw his speed, strength, confidence, strong shot and intelligent ball control make him one not only the club's first choice winger but also the national team.
In December 2008 Mao Jianqing was arrested for his involvement in a bloody restaurant brawl in the city where a local man was beaten and two women were hurt.
The fight started in an apparent fit of jealousy over a woman and came hours after the Shenhua team suffered a disappointing tie that cost them the league title.
[7] The following season saw Mao's game time significantly reduced after a flare-up on his left knee from previous injury required him to have surgery.
Mao Jianqing still went on to join the senior team and made his debut against Palestine in a 2-0 win on October 11, 2006 where he also scored to send them to China to the 2007 AFC Asian Cup finals.