Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming will retire from the NBA after eight injury-plagued seasons, Yahoo Sports reported.

Yao hasn't been able to recover fully from numerous operations. He is one of the seminal figures in the globalization of the NBA and basketball, the news servicee said.

Chinas Yao Ming reacts during their game against Slovenia in the first round of the world basketball championships in S
China's Yao Ming reacts during their game against Slovenia in the first round of the world basketball championships in Sapporo REUTERS
Yao Quitting
Happy or sad? Yao Ming was reported to be quitting the NBA by YAHOO! Sports today, but Chinese media says the allegations are false. As with this photo, where Yao appears to be crying, but is actually celebrating scoring against Puerto Rico during the first round of the World Basketball Championship. REUTERS
Chinas Yao reacts during the first round game against the US at the world basketball championships in Sapporo
China's Yao reacts during the first round game against the US at the world basketball championships in Sapporo REUTERS
Chinas Yao slam dunks during their first round defeat to Puerto Rico during world basketball championships in Sapporo
China's Yao slam dunks during their first round defeat to Puerto Rico during world basketball championships in Sapporo REUTERS
Chinas Yao Ming goes up for a shot past Senegals Maleye NDoye during the first round of the world basketball champion
China's Yao Ming goes up for a shot past Senegal's Maleye N'Doye during the first round of the world basketball champion REUTERS
Chinas Yao reacts during the first round game against the US at the world basketball championships in Sapporo
China's Yao reacts during the first round game against the US at the world basketball championships in Sapporo REUTERS
Chinas Yao reacts as he fouls Jame of US during the first round of world basketball championships in Sapporo, northern
China's Yao reacts as he fouls Jame of US during the first round of world basketball championships in Sapporo, northern REUTERS
Chinas Yao celebrates their win against Senegal during the first round of the world basketball championships in Sapporo
China's Yao celebrates their win against Senegal during the first round of the world basketball championships in Sapporo REUTERS
Chinas Yao talks with reporters after loss against Greece during their world basketball championships game in Saitama
China's Yao talks with reporters after loss against Greece during their world basketball championships game in Saitama REUTERS
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