Derrick Rose has announced his retirement from basketball. The former NBA MVP and former player for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies had recently been released from his contract with the Grizzlies and was a free agent heading into next season. Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, leaves just a few days shy of turning 36.
This was his farewell letter published on his Instagram account:
«Thank you, my first love.
You believed in me despite the ups and downs, you were my constant when everything else seemed uncertain.
You taught me what it really meant to love.
You turned the dance floor into my sanctuary, a place where I could express myself freely.
You made every time I woke up early or stayed late worth every drop of sweat.
You reminded me that I could trust you, in every moment of doubt you showed me what I was capable of.
You took me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago would never have imagined.
You taught me that every defeat was a lesson and that every victory was a reason to be grateful.
You offered me wisdom not only about basketball, about life, discipline, hard work, perseverance.
You taught me to put passion into something, put my heart into every dribble, every shot, every play.
You were by my side even when the world seemed to be against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to return.
You gave me the gift of our time together, something for which I will be grateful for the rest of my days.
You told me it was okay to say goodbye, remembering that you will always be a part of me, no matter what life throws at me.
Forever yours, Derrick Rose.
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