Yao Ming Retires from NBA

Yao Ming officially retired from the NBA on July 20, 2011, due to a series of foot and leg injuries.

The Chinese basketball star held a press conference in Shanghai, where he announced his decision to end his career.

Yao Ming played eight seasons in the NBA, but missed 250 regular-season games over the past six years.

He suffered a stress fracture in his left foot for the third time at the end of the previous year.

Yao Ming's retirement marks the end of an era for the Houston Rockets, who drafted him as the top pick in 2002.

Houston general manager Daryl Morey attended Yao's farewell conference, and NBA commissioner David Stern sent a message via video link.

Yao Ming thanked his family, friends, coaches, and fellow competitors, including Shaquille O'Neal.

Yao Ming plans to return to work with his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks, with the possibility of becoming general manager.

He will also continue his philanthropic work with the Yao Foundation.

Yao Ming's wife, Ye Li, and their young daughter, Yao Qinlei, were present at the press conference.

The event was heavily covered by the media, with China Central Television planning to carry five continuous hours of Yao coverage.

Yao Ming's contract with the Rockets had expired after the previous season, and the team had expressed interest in re-signing him if he came back healthy.