Full transcript of Yao Ming’s statement

Via China Daily

Hello everyone, leaders, guests, and friends from news media, good afternoon, and thanks for coming.

Today is an important day for me. For myself, my basketball career and the personal growth in the future, it has a particular meaning.

At the end of last year I broke my left foot for a third time. I had to leave the basketball court, and spent the last half of the year waiting, just as many of those who care about me. During that period, I struggled a lot in my heart and thought a lot. Now I am going to announce a personal decision: I am going to end my career as a basketball player and officially retire. Continue reading