Earlier this week, Manu Ginobili announced that he would be retiring from the San Antonio Spurs and the NBA after 16 seasons in the league.Ginobili released a statement on his Twitter thanking his family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, and the fans for their support for him on the court throughout his playing career.He said: "Today, with a wide range of feelings, I'm announcing my retirement from basketball. IMMENSE GRATITUDE to everyone (family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans) involved in my life in the last 23 years. It's been a fabulous journey. Way beyond my wildest dreams."Ginobili ends his NBA career as one of the most decorated international players in basketball history.He's a four-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist for Argentina and a EuroLeague MVP. He's a shoe-in as well for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame too.Manu played 1,057 regular season games and 218 playoff contests with the Spurs, and he ranks in the team's top five all-time in games, points (14,043), assists (4,001) and steals (1,392).Ginobili made a huge impact on the NBA during his playing career as evident by the endless amount of gratitude shown by the league's best players upon the announcement of his retirement.Top players from the past and present like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Steph Curry showed their love for the Spurs icon.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver showed his support for Ginobili too, as he said: "An NBA champion and All-Star, Manu Ginobili is also a pioneer who helped globalize the NBA.

"He is one of basketball's greatest ambassadors who believes in the power of sports to change lives. And for 16 years, we were fortunate to watch a legend compete at the highest level. Thank you, Manu, for a career that inspired millions of people around the world."

His final game for the Spurs was in Game 5 of the Western Conference playoffs series against the Golden State Warriors. San Antonio lost the series 4-1.

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