A tribute to legendary player Manu Ginobili

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Four months earlier in Oakland, after losing Game Five in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the soon-to-be 41-year-old Manu Ginobili hugged Steve Kerr, his former teammate and the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

"If you love it, keep going, what the hell." Kerr relayed the talk he had with Roger Federer where the tennis veteran told him he kept playing because he loves the sport.

After taking a family trip during the off season, Ginobili announced Tuesday on Twitter his retirement from basketball "with a wide range of feelings."

Ginobili thanked his family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff and fans involved in his life for helping him accomplish a "fabulous journey" in basketball.

NBA staff, players and coaches sent their salutes and love on social media.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Ginobili was "a pioneer who helped globalize the NBA" and "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," he added.

"One of the all-time greats. Fearless, funny, compassionate and competitive as hell. Thank you Manu!" said Steve Kerr.

"Congrats @manuginobili on an amazing career. Great player. Fierce competitor. Winner. Next stop: HOF," said the 40-year-old Dirk Nowitzki.

Argentinian Manu Ginobili was crowned four NBA championship titles during 16 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, and won MVP and a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games as captain of the men's basketball team from Argentina.

As a deft left-handed scoring guard, Ginobili is known for his three-pointers and lay-ups, especially his signature move－Euro step－which has influenced many players in the NBA, including James Harden.

Ginobili often passes great assists to his teammates and has a powerful slam dunk.

He has also exhibited his personal charm on and off the court.

One sensational moment happened during a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Sacramento Kings in 2009. A bat had flown into the AT&T Center, avoiding capture until Ginobili smacked it to the ground and handed it to staff off the court.

"When you can't dunk anymore, you have to find a way to make it into the news," said the "batman" afterwards.

( Infographic: Li Xiaojie)