03 June,2011 08:25 AM IST | | AFP
Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominating big men in NBA history in his prime, announced his retirement on Wednesday after a 19-year career that saw him win four NBA titles.
Shaquille O'Neal
"Shaq" was at his finest from 2000 through 2002 when he combined with star guard Kobe Bryant to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to three NBA crowns, and he added another in 2006 with Miami, two years after being traded to the Heat.
"im retiring," O'Neal posted on his Twitter microblogging website, which also included a video link in which he thanked his followers on the social media site.
O'Neal, 39, was nagged by injuries in the later seasons of his career, including failed stints to help bring titles to Phoenix, Cleveland and this season in Boston. "I really thought about coming back but this Achilles is very damaged and if I had it done the recovery would be so long we'd have the same outcome as this last year ufffd everyone sitting around and waiting for me," O'Neal said.
"I didn't want to let people down two years in a row. I didn't want to hold Boston hostage again. The organization can try to get younger talent." ufffdu00a0
