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Former President Barack Obama recorded a personal message for Dwyane Wade who retired on Wednesday after 16 years in the NBA. Wade, 38, finished his career with a triple double against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on Wednesday, April 10.

“D. Wade! Congratulations on a great run,” Obama said. “Now I know what you’re going through, because saying goodbye to a career that you love is never easy. I’ve been there. In my case, though, I didn’t really have a choice. My knees were shot. So I had to give up basketball forever,” Obama joked.

Obama said Wade’s playing days are not over. He can still hoop with the best of them, though it might get a little tougher.

“For 16 years you’ve given us high wire dunks, big shots and big moments. More blocks than any guard in history. You’re willing to sacrifice your body in the lane. And sometimes sacrifice your ego in pursuit of a title. And whenever you got knocked down, you always showed us how to get back up. So you showed some Chicago spirit in you. And you did us proud.”

Obama concluded, “I hope the next stage of your life is just as fulfilling and just as spectacular as this one has been. Take care.”
 

Photos by Sarah Stier/Getty Images