Seven Times All Star Mourning Announces Retirement

The 38-year-old, part of the Heat`s 2006 championship-winning team, had not played since suffering a knee injury in December 2007.

Seven-times NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning announced his retirement on Thursday, ending speculation he may return to the Miami Heat.

The 38-year-old, part of the Heat's 2006 championship-winning team, had not played since suffering a knee injury in December 2007 and was a free agent despite keeping close links with Miami.

"I spent the past year rehabbing and thinking about my basketball future," Mourning told a news conference. "After 16 years I truly feel it's best I retire."

Mourning, widely respected for his extensive charity and community work, was forced out of the game in 2003 when he had to undergo a kidney transplant.

He also played for the New Jersey Nets in between two spells with Miami and is tipped to be a future Hall of Fame member.