“I will formally end my career，” said Yao, who became a household name in China before starting his NBA career with the Houston Rockets in 2002. Yao played eight seasons in the NBA.

　　“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 a stress fracture(断裂) in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year. My past six months were a painful wait. I have been thinking about my future over and over. Today I am announcing a personal decision, ending my career as a basketball player and officially retire. But_one_door_is_closing_and_another_one_is_opening.”

　　Yao said he would return to work with his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks, with the possibility of becoming general manager. He already owns the club and wants to contribute more.

　　“My playing career started with the club. I hope I can do something for it，” Yao said.

　　He later appeared with his family on the stage to the applause and cheers of the crowd. He thanked a lot of people—his family, former coaches, even players like Shaquille O'Neal—“for making me a better player, I will be always with you. Thank you.”

　　Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was among those attending the farewell(告别)conference Wednesday. Morey made the long trip from Houston. Morey said 20 hours on planes was tiring but “I would be sorry if I wasn't here.” “It's a big moment，” Morey added. “Yao had a sense of humor, a great attitude and sense of responsibility. I hope we can continue his culture in the NBA.”

【2017届高考英语一轮复习课时作业5：Unit 5《Nelson Mandela—a modern hero》（人教版必修1湖北专用）】相关文章：

★ （安徽专用）2014届高考英语一轮复习方案 作业手册（10）模块4 《Unit 10 Money》（含解析） 北师大版必修1

★ 四川省2016届高考英语一轮复习课时作业（21） Module 3 Body Language and Non verbal Communication 外研版必修4

★ 2017届高考英语二轮复习书面表达限时测验：5（含解析）

★ 2017届高考英语二轮复习课时训练：1（含解析）

★ 四川省2016届高考英语一轮复习课时作业（41） Module 5 Ethnic Culture 外研版选修8

★ （安徽专用）2014届高考英语一轮复习方案 作业手册（2）模块1 《Unit 2 Heroes》（含解析） 北师大版必修1

★ 【浙江专用】2014届高考英语一轮复习课时作业(十二)必修3Unit 2《Healthy eating》

★ 【北京专用】2014届高考英语一轮复习方案课时作业：必修4 Unit 2 Working the land

★ 2014届高考英语一轮复习课时作业(二十八)必修5Module 4《Carnival》（外研版）

★ 2014届高考英语一轮复习课时作业(二)必修1Module 2《My New Teachers》（外研版）