Seven-time NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning Thursday said he decided to retire at age 38.

Mourning hasn't played since tearing the patella tendon and quadriceps muscle in his right leg on Dec. 19, 2007, the fourth anniversary of his lifesaving kidney transplant.

He is not under contract but had been working out at the Miami Heat's complex.

Mourning, who turns 39 next month, played at Georgetown University and was the second overall pick in the 1992 draft by the Charlotte Hornets.

He also played for New Jersey and spent most majority of his career with the Heat. He was the backup center to Shaquille O'Neal when Miami won the NBA title in 2006.

In 2003 Mourning underwent a kidney transplant after diagnosed in October 2000 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

In 15 seasons, Mourning averaged 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds and twice was chosen NBA defensive player of the year.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2009)