Yao Ming
After eight seasons in the NBA, Chinese star Yao Ming has decided to retire. REUTERS

Yao Ming may be calling it quits. And maybe it's a blessing in disguise for the oft-injured All-Star.

The Houston Rocket's star's representatives announced his exit plans to YAHOO! Sports today.

Yao is seven feet six inches tall. The eight-time All-Star averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds.

Still, it may be the end of the Ming Dynasty, perhaps because the larger-than-life basketball star has taken quite the thrashing from opponents since becoming the top pick of the 2002 NBA draft.

Here's a little review of the injuries that may have contributed to Yao Ming's decision to sit this game out in perpetuity:

It's all about the left foot.

In 2005, he developed osteomyelitis in his left foot.

In 2006, Yao broke his left foot.

In 2011, he fractured his left ankle.

All the while, he was plagued by a slew of issues with his lower body.

In eight seasons, Yao missed 180 games.

He has a cult following in China, where basketball players where jerseys with his name strewn across the back.

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