Chinese basketball star Yao Ming, who opened up the world's most populous country to the NBA and became an Asian sporting icon, has officially announced the end of his career.
The towering 30-year-old had been plagued by foot and ankle injuries towards the end of his eight seasons in the National Basketball Association, playing just five games in the past two seasons for the Houston Rockets.
The 2.3 metre tall Yao - that's seven foot, six inches in imperial measurements - became a favourite with the Rockets fans for his foot speed, positional play and silky shooting as well as his easy-going manner, and he in turn paid tribute back to Houston as he announced his retirement.
Yao says he came to Houston nine years ago as a young, tall, skinny player and the entire city and the team turned him into a man.
His first daughter was also born there and he feels like he's a Houstonian, and says he will always be with the city.
