Yao retiring from basketball

SHANGHAI, July 20 (UPI) -- Houston Rockets star Yao Ming officially announced Wednesday he is retiring from basketball.

The injury-plagued Chinese star told a news conference in his hometown of Shanghai he was grateful for the nine years he played for Houston, Sports Network reported.

"Nine years ago I came to Houston as Yao, tall, skinny player," he said. "The entire city and the team changed me to a grown man, not only as a basketball player. I feel like I'm an Houstonian and I will always be with you."

News of Yao's plans leaked out weeks ago after the 7-foot-6 center informed the National Basketball Association and the Rockets he was walking away from the game that made him a worldwide star and paid him $93 million.

He was set to become a free agent once the league's lockout ends.