文档介绍：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 isa 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 petition. 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 t