After a 23-year professional basketball career, Italian legendary shooter Marco Belinelli officially announced his retirement, ending a glorious journey that was recorded in the history of Europe and the NBA.

The 39-year-old veteran posted an emotional post on social media on Monday, accompanied by photos, jerseys and newspaper clippings, reflecting on his long journey from youth to the pinnacle of his career.

Belinelli then said an emotional farewell on social media: "I dedicated my heart, body and soul to basketball. It gave me everything, and I gave it all. It's not easy to say goodbye, but now is the time. Thank you to those who always believed in me. Dedicated to the next generation, I leave a dream, please continue it."

In fact, Belinelli hinted at the possibility of retirement as early as June of this year when he led Virtus Bologna to the Serie A title. He said frankly: "Winning the Scudetto, being a good captain, and bringing honor back to Bologna, all of these are invaluable."

Belinelli not only left a lasting mark on Italian basketball, but also remains one of the most successful Italian players in NBA history. He entered the NBA in 2007 and has played for nine teams, including the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.

In 2014, Belinelli won the championship with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the first Italian to reach the NBA Finals and win the trophy. That same year, he also won the All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest, demonstrating his prowess as a top-tier shooter.

Belinelli's retirement marks the official end of a generation of Italian basketball legends. Whether at the peak of his NBA career or in his final dance in his hometown of Bologna, his precise shooting and tenacious spirit left an indelible mark on Italian and even global basketball.