姚明退役演讲稿英文版.docVIP

姚明退役演讲稿英文版（“明谢”新闻发布会致辞）： Yao Ming(7/20/2011，Shanghai) Esteemed Director LiYuyi, distinguished guests, friends in the media： Good afternoon! Todayis an important day for me. It is a day of special significance for both mypast professional career and future endeavors. Atthe end of last year, I once again had a stress fracture in my left foot andhad to sit out of basketball. Since then, like many friends who cared about me,I waited and hoped that I could return. It was also a frustrating period, manythoughts crossed my mind. Today, I am ready to announce to everyone mydecision: I will end my athletic career and formally retire from the game ofbasketball. Atthis moment, looking towards the future and looking back through the past, myheart is full of gratitude. Firstand foremost, I want to thank the game of basketball. This great sport hasbrought joy to untold numbers of people, including myself. When I was fouryears old, I got my first basketball. At nine, I entered a youth sports schoolin Xuhui district (in Shanghai).I joined the Shanghai Junior Team at 14. And when I was 16 years old, I put onmy dad’s former number, and joined the Shanghai Sharks senior team incompetition. Basketball has allowed me to follow in my family’s footsteps. WheneverI see the joy and satisfaction in my parents’ eyes, I feel a strong sense ofpride. I was also fortunate to win a CBA Championship with my teammates for thecity of Shanghaiin 2002. From that moment on, basketball has connected me with this great city.During that same year, I entered the NBA. Basketball has led me to a bigger andbroader stage to showcase my abilities. It’s a dream for many to play for theNational Team. So in fulfilling my dream, I am especially grateful of theopportunity to play for my country for so many years. And because ofbasketball, I have found the love of my life Ye Li, and a lifetime ofhappiness. Basketball has given me so much and for this, I want to thank thegame of basketball. Ialso want to thank life. No