国际英语新闻:Chinese Basketball Superstar Yao Ming Retires

China's towering basketball star Yao Ming has announced his decision to retire from the National Basketball Association after a series of injuries made it impossible for him to continue to compete. Yao Ming says he's not leaving basketball, however, and will continue to work for his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks as well as with his charity group the Yao Foundation. 

At 2.3 meters, Yao Ming's height was one of his biggest assets. It helped him rise through China's national sports system to the NBA. But his massive stature was also the cause of the wear and tear on his leg and ankle that forced him to retire.

Plagued by injuries

Yao Ming spent his entire eight-year NBA career playing for the Houston Rockets, who made him their top draft pick in 2002. Injuries forced him to miss hundreds of games during that period. During his last season, he played only five games after suffering a stress fracture in his left foot for the third time.

Speaking at a farewell news conference on Wednesday that was broadcast live on Chinese national television, Yao said the past six months have been agonizing as he thought through his decision.

"Today I have retired, but as one door closes, another door gradually opens and a brand new life is waiting for me outside that door," Yao said. "Although I have retired from the court, I will never leave basketball. The Shanghai Oriental Sharks Basketball Club will be the extension of my basketball career. I am running the club with the knowledge that I have learned over the years.”