More than three hundred local and international journalists and photographers were accredited to yesterday’s press conference where Chinese basketball star Yao Ming chose the Kerry Hotel in his home town to make the announcement. An incredible five hours of live television broadcast the event. Every LCD screen around the city - even in the subway cars was beaming the story live to millions in this mega city currently hosting the 14^th FINA World Swimming Championships.

Accompanied by wife Ye Li, his 14-month-old daughter Yao Qinlei and his parents, the 2.29 metre giant managed to maintain his composure under the spotlights. 

“I had to leave the court since I suffered a stress fracture in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year. The past six months have been an agonizing wait. Today I am announcing a personal decision – ending my career as a basketball player and officially retiring.”

But we wont see the last of Yao. “I used to say that if my career as a professional basketball players ends one day, I hope its just a comma and not a full stop in my life,” Yao added.

Infromation from AIPS  

The most popular basketball player in China, officially announce his retirement at a press conference on Karry Hotel at Shanghai, China. 

Yao Ming with family pose during auuounce his retirenment press conference.