Washington, Oct 31 (IANS): Eleven-time NBA All-Star guard Allen Iverson officially announced his retirement Wednesday, ending a 15-year NBA career during which he was name MVP in 2001, reported Xinhua.

The 6-foot guard, who was selected in the Philadelphia 76ers with the No.1 overall pick in 1996 draft, had won NBA scoring titles in four seasons. He averaged 26.7 points in his career, which ranked 6th in NBA best scoring list.

He guided the 76ers into the NBA Finals in 2001, losing the title to Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the end. He had played for Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies in his career.

"I gave everything I had to basketball," said Iverson at a news conference which he attended with his mother and three of his five children.

"The passion is still there but the desire to play is not. It was a great ride."

Iverson, who enjoyed his best career highlights in Philadelphia, said he would be a 76er "until the day I die".