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Yao Ming delivers a speech at a press conference in Shanghai, east China, July 20, 2011. Chinese NBA idol Yao Ming officially announced his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. The 2.26-meter Shanghai native, who played for eight seasons in the NBA after being the top overall pick in the 2002 draft, has been troubled with a series of injuries. (Xinhua/Fan Jun)
Yao Ming announced his retirement from basketball in Shanghai on Wednesday.

"Today is an important day for me and holds a special meaning for both my basketball career and my future," Yao said.

"I had to leave the court since I suffered stress fracture in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year. My past six months was an agonizing wait. I had been thinking (about my future) over and over.

"Today I announced a personal decision: I ends my career as a basketball player and officially retire."

The 2.26-meter Shanghai native, who played for eight seasons in the NBA after being the top overall pick in the 2002 draft, has been troubled with a series of injuries.

Yao, who will turn 31 in September, averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds and has been named to the NBA All-star team eight times.

Source:Xinhua