Xinhua News Agency, Washington, February 28th, Sports Special (Reporter Lei Shan) Patrick Ewing said many times that he wouldn't cry, but tonight he tried twice to restrain himself from tears.

Ewing's Knicks No.33 jersey retired at Madison Square Garden Stadium in new york on Friday night. In the cheers of countless fans, surrounded by many NBA active and retired celebrities, Ewing expressed his emotional gratitude to all those who loved him.

"I played in new york for 15 years, and wherever I go, I'm from new york," Ewing, dressed in a suit, told the fans at the halftime of the Knicks-Orlando Magic game.

Michael Jordan, charles barkley, Julius Evans, clyde drexler, Alenzo Mourning and other active and retired NBA superstars all went to the scene to congratulate Ewing. Former Knicks star, coach, manager and Ewing's family also witnessed Ewing's No.33 jersey rising to the beam of Madison Square Garden Stadium. The audience chanted "Patrick Ewing" in unison to pay tribute to the greatest star in Knicks history.

On behalf of the players who fought against Juventus in the past, Mourning said, "Patrick, you will always be the driving force to encourage us to make continuous progress and our most respected opponent. Everything you have done has not only brought glory to the Knicks, but also contributed to the entire basketball career. " The excited mourning and Ewing hugged each other tightly and refused to step down for a long time.

Willis Marlowe said on behalf of the retired Knicks star: "Patrick is the greatest star in Knicks history." At this point, the audience burst into the warmest applause.

Ewing's friend said before the game that Ewing would definitely cry at this ceremony. Ewing walked onto the stage with a smile. "Those guys are waiting to see me cry, but all I have now is happiness," Ewing said in his opening remarks. But the more Ewing said, the lower his voice, and the smile on his face disappeared. He tried to hold back his tears. Before long, he made a speech in high spirits and was almost speechless with excitement. Ewing's speech lasted nearly 10 minutes, and was repeatedly interrupted by cheers from enthusiastic fans.

"I can't say that I am the greatest star in Knicks history. Those great people over there (Ewing refers to the retired Knicks stars) deserve this honor more than them, "Ewing said.

Ewing finally said, "If I have to start over, I will become a Knicks player and come to new york to play. I will always belong to new york, to the Knicks and to you fans. " At this time, many fans and Ewing's family were so excited that they cried. They can only thank the great player for bringing them this unforgettable night with the warmest applause.