And you say, New York City…
In his farewell letter to the city of New York, NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony penned a heartfelt goodbye after being traded from the New York Knicks to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After years of having his memorable 2011 trade and seven seasons under the Big Apple franchise a penchant in rhymes by the likes of Nicki Minaj, Fabolous, and Drake to name a few, the 10-time All-Star reviewed his time serving his hometown on the hardwood.
“From the day I first met you, I knew we were meant to be together,” Anthony opened the letter. “It was love at first sight. From a very young age you taught me something that I will never forget—how to survive within the belly of the beast. I must admit it was scary, frightening at times. But, not fully aware of my purpose, I was being molded and prepared for the rest of my life without even knowing.”
“No one will ever take your place. It’s hard to find someone like you, so know you will always be missed. You helped me laugh. You dried my tears. Because of you, I have no fears. You came into my life and I was blessed. It’s time to raise my hand and say goodbye. It’s not the end, because like I’ve always said, NYC ’til the end.”
“I’ve known you for years now, and I must say they’ve been the best years I’ve ever had. You helped me become the person I am today. I just want you to know YOU will always be in my heart. No matter what happens, I will always LOVE YOU. Although this goodbye is just temporary, this is the hardest goodbye for me to say. I wipe the tears off my cheek and smile at the same time because I know that we will meet again someday.”
He concluded his love letter to the big city of dreams by thanking the fans and Knicks organization. “Thank you to All My Fans who supported me through Thick and Thin. And those who continued to support The Knicks regardless of the outcome,” he wrote. “Thank You to Jim Dolan and the Knicks organization and all the hardworking people that don’t get the credit they deserve. And most importantly, Thank you to the City of New York for allowing me to represent OUR city.”
Anthony’s full letter to New York can be read here.