艾弗森退役演讲稿英文(Speech by Allen Iverson on His Retirement)

Speech by Allen Iverson on His Retirement

Dear fans, friends, and colleagues,

Today marks a bittersweet moment in my life as I announce my retirement from the game of basketball. Playing basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was my escape, my passion, and my livelihood. And now, it is time for me to say goodbye.

A Childhood Dream

I fell in love with the game of basketball when I was just a young boy in Virginia. I remember playing in my backyard with my older brothers, dreaming of the day I would play in the NBA. As I got older, I worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.

Through high school and college, I honed my skills and developed a style of play that was unique and unapologetic. And when the Philadelphia 76ers drafted me in 1996, I knew that I had finally achieved my childhood dream.

The Glorious Years

My years with the 76ers were some of the most glorious of my career. We had an incredible team, with players like Dikembe Mutombo, Aaron McKie, and Eric Snow. We made it to the NBA Finals in 2001, and although we didn't win the championship, we left everything we had on the court.

During those years, I was honored to receive numerous accolades, including the NBA MVP award in 2001 and eleven All-Star selections. I was also proud to represent the United States in the Olympics in 2004, where we won the bronze medal.

The Highs and Lows

But my career was not without its highs and lows. I faced criticism for my style of play and my off-court behavior. I made mistakes and bad decisions, and I have regretted the impact they had on my family, my fans, and my coaches and teammates.

Still, I wouldn't have traded those experiences for anything. They made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined to succeed. And the support of my family, my fans, and the basketball community helped me through the tough times.

The Legacy I Leave Behind

As I retire from the game of basketball, I am grateful for all that the game has given me. I am grateful for the opportunities, the memories, and the friendships. I am proud of what I have accomplished on the court, but I am even prouder of the person I have become off the court.

As I look back on my career, I hope that I have left a positive legacy. I hope that I have inspired young athletes to follow their dreams, to work hard, and to never give up. And I hope that I have shown that it's possible to learn from your mistakes and to become a better person because of them.

A Final Thank You

Finally, I want to say thank you. Thank you to my family, who has always been my rock and my support system. Thank you to my fans, who have cheered me on through the highs and the lows. Thank you to my coaches and teammates, who have challenged me to be my best and have helped me to grow as a player and a person.

And thank you to the game of basketball, which has been my life's passion. It has taught me so much about perseverance, determination, and teamwork. And it has given me so many memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you all, and God bless.