CHICAGO (WLS) — In an engaging conversation with ABC7, Chicago Bulls icon Derrick Rose opened up about his illustrious basketball career and shared insights on what fans can look forward to at his upcoming jersey retirement ceremony.

Set to take place this Saturday, the retirement of Rose’s #1 jersey represents a significant milestone for the former MVP. Reflecting on his journey from a hopeful kid in Englewood to an NBA superstar, Rose discussed his achievements and the next phase of his life beyond the court.

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This marks a new chapter for Rose, as he steps away from the game and begins to shape his own path in retirement. It’s a side of the athlete that many have yet to see, as he embraces the freedom to make his own decisions away from basketball.

When questioned about the timing of his retirement, Rose revealed, “I’ve been battling with that decision for three or four years before I finally stepped away… I couldn’t give up the life I was building with my family. Being there for them, seeing how much my presence mattered, played a huge role.”

Having given his all to the sport, Rose retires with no regrets. He shared, “I practiced relentlessly. If people only knew the sacrifices I made before every game… I wasn’t aiming to be just good. I wanted to be great. Once I finished, I felt a weight lifted, free from the pressure of having to be perfect.”

“I feel like I practiced my butt off. If only people knew how much I sacrificed before every game… I wasn’t just trying to be good. I wanted to be great,” Rose said. “Once I got done, I felt that pressure off my shoulders of trying to be perfect.”

The MVP’s career didn’t come without challenges. He faced several injuries in the NBA, which caused major setbacks. He spoke about how his faith helped him get through some of the hardest times in his career.

“My journey went from me believing to me knowing that, I know who I am now,” Rose said. “My story alone should let you know that there is a God. There’s no way I make it out of Englewood without toting a pistol or a gun, not one time when I was younger, and I made it out!”

Making it out and coming home, Rose decided to move his family back to the city where it all began.

“Chicago is different than anywhere else in the world. I could be biased, but it’s true. The city is beautiful. The people in the city are beautiful. My kids need to experience that because that helped me with my character,” Rose said.

Rose is looking forward to giving back to the youth and starting new businesses to create more jobs for Chicagoans.

“I felt like basketball was handicapping me. It was putting boundaries,” Rose said. “I read a lot. I read a ton. That’s something I didn’t do early on and that’s led to the transformation of what you see right now.”

As for his message to fans, Rose said, “Thank you once again. Hopefully, I can meet you all. If we don’t meet in person, come celebrate with me. It’s going to be a party.”

Stepping into retirement, we are Chicago proud of our MVP.

Rose’s jersey retirement event is happening Saturday at the United Center. Tickets are still available. Rose says the night is not just about him; it is for everyone that has been a part of his basketball journey.