(Reuters) – Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose announced his retirement from basketball on Thursday, ending a 16-year career for the 35-year-old guard.

Rose was once the linchpin of the Chicago Bulls franchise after being selected with the number one overall pick in the draft. He began his NBA career by winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2009 before being named MVP in 2011.

However, his career was marred by injuries. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the 2011-12 playoffs, and two seasons later he suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery, severely limiting his playing time.

“Thank you, my first love. You believed in me through highs and lows, were my constant when everything else seemed uncertain. You showed me what love really means,” the three-time All-Star wrote in a statement on Instagram.

“You made the farm my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely… You stood by me unconditionally even when the world seemed to be against me, and waited for me to accept you.”

“You gave me a gift, our time together, that I will cherish for the rest of my life. You told me it was okay to say goodbye and assured me that you would always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.”

After eight years with the Bulls, Rose also played for the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.

The Bulls called him “the kid from Englewood who became a Chicago legend” in an Instagram post and thanked him for what he had accomplished with the former champions.

In his final season with the Grizzlies, he was only able to play in 24 games and was only in the starting lineup seven times.

“We are grateful for your significant contributions to this team and this city and wish you all the best in the next chapter of your life,” the Grizzlies said in a statement.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)