NEW YORK -- Wayne Gretzky announced his retirement from hockey Friday after two magnificent decades, perhaps no longer at the top of his game but certainly still its greatest player ever.
Despite pleas from family and friends not to go, the 38-year-old Great One said his "gut" told him it was time. Left behind are scores of fans still asking for more and lists of records for generations to chase.He will play one last game, between his New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins in Madison Square Garden, a game now not only to close a frustrating season but to end an era.
Even Gretzky admits the composure he displayed in explaining his decision likely will desert him when he takes the ice for the last time.
"The emotional time will be Sunday when I take my skates off. I've been encouraging people to smile and be upbeat," he said. "That will be the tough time."
No one could change his mind.
Not his wife, not the prime minister of his native Canada, not even his idol Gordie Howe, who advised No. 99 to wait at least a few more months.
"The last couple of weeks, a lot of people have been asking me why this is the time," a composed Gretzky said. "It's a gut feeling, something I believe is right."
His head told him, too.
"I started to feel fatigue -- mentally and physically -- that I never felt before."
Accompanied by his wife, Janet, and sons Ty and Trevor, Gretzky watched a video tribute of his career and was introduced by former player John Davidson as "the greatest player who ever played."
His departure marks the second time in three months that one of the world's premier athletes -- and the best in his sport -- has chosen retirement. But unlike Michael Jordan, who left after winning his sixth NBA championship, Gretzky ends his career with a disappointing Rangers team that didn't even make the playoffs this season.