Tom Thibodeau says an emotional goodbye to Derrick Rose

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau paid tribute to Derrick Rose's career in a statement released by the team on Thursday after the veteran NBA guard announced his retirement earlier in the day.

Rose, 35, announced the decision in a social media post Thursday morning to take out full-page ads in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Commercial Appeal, Detroit Free Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer and Minneapolis Star Tribune to appeal to local fans to thank the cities he played for.

In a lengthy statement, Thibodeau, who coached Rose in Chicago, Minnesota and New York, congratulated Rose on a “Hall of Fame career.”

“Not only was he a great player, which I saw in the eyes of his opponents, he is also an even better person, teammate, husband and father,” Thibodeau said. “The true measure of a man is how well he handles adversity – no one has done it better. Despite everything – from the pressure of playing in his hometown to being the youngest MVP in NBA history to injuries in three straight seasons – he persevered, never gave up and always came back.

“It was inspiring to see him grow and progress no matter what. He is and remains a very special person. I will cherish our many beautiful memories together and look forward to seeing his next chapter. I know it will be great and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Rose was the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and made history in 2011 when, at age 22, he became the youngest player in league history to win the league MVP.

He was named to the All-Star Game three times during his career.

Although he was a star on the court, knee injuries hampered him throughout his NBA career.

In comments following the retirement news, Rose said he wants to focus on his family in the next chapter of his life.