 By the following season, he continued to gain considerably more playing time for Beijing and would often be used as a right back where his pace was quickly exploited; however, after several seasons, he played increasingly more at centre back and become an integral member of the club's defense.Xu's importance towards the team was shown in the 2008 league season when he would be named as the club's vice captain and then later as their captain, leading the club to the league title during the 2009 season.On 26 February 2017, Xu retired from football and became the Commercial Director of Beijing Guoan.