Retiring is a tough decision for any athlete. While many players get a happy ending to their careers, some have to heartbreakingly leave the game they love. One such athlete happens to be NBA legend, Charles Barkley. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to never win an NBA title, the Round Mound of Rebound had a heartbreaking end to his brilliant career in 1999.

During a conversation with former NBA star Jamal Crawford a few months ago, Barkley confessed to being depressed and also talked about how retirement really broke his heart.

NBA legend Charles Barkley once opened up about his retirement

Sir Charles Barkley spent 16 long seasons in the NBA where he won multiple NBA accolades barring the title. However, he had multiple injury issues toward the end of his career which ultimately forced him to retire.

During the 1999-00 season, Barkley played for the Houston Rockets, the 1993 NBA MVP injured his ankle and that was the closing chapter of his Hall of Fame NBA career. When asked about his thoughts, Chuck asserted that he is heartbroken. However, he was in no mood to change his mind about retirement.

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“My heart is broken. My spirit is broken. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, I’m down and depressed. (But) I stand by what I said last night”, said the 11 times NBA All-Star.

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Years after he retired, Barkley once again talked about this difficult time of his life on The Steam Room podcast with Ernie Johnson and Jamal Crawford. 

Barkley said, “I’ve been through this depression when you have to hang it up. It’s traumatic, it hurts, how did you handle that period because it’s hard to say, ‘hey I’m retiring, I’m not playing’. Because you’ve done something since you were probably twelve years old, and then one day you are like, it’s over man.”

League icons like Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, and others had congratulated the Round Mound of Rebound for his brilliant NBA career. Interestingly, this was before his relationship with Jordan turned sour. 

Barkley left a huge impact on the league

Although Charles Barkley did not win the NBA title, there is no denying that he is an absolute legend. After all, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA stars of his generation.

Despite facing stiff competition from Jordan and others, Barkley still dominated, especially in the rebounds. The Hall of Famer retired with a brilliant average of 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.

WATCH THIS STORY: Charles Barkley disrobes reconciling with father

What is your favorite memory of Charles Barkley? Let us know in the comments below.