Chinse basketball icon, Yi Jianlian retires after 21-year career

"A special thanks goes to China's men's basketball team, which holds a special place in my heart. Every time I put on the national team jersey and represent my country in competitions, I feel the pride emanating from my homeland," he said.

Yi, a native of Jiangmen, a city in the western part of Guangdong province, began his professional journey with Guangdong's first team at the young age of 15 in 2002.