PUTRAJAYA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Malaysians rushed up expressed thanks for Lee Chong Wei for his contribution to raising the country's profile through his many victories and the inspiration he left to a whole generation of Malaysians to pick up the sport, as the shuttler announced his retirement on Thursday.

Responding to a Lee's message on retirement on social media, thousands of Malaysians left comments thanking him for his many contributions, offering encouragement and well wishes for the former World No. 1's health and full recovery.

"Thank you our hero Dato Lee Chong Wei. You made Malaysia proud. Take care of your health which is the most important of all. Spending time with your loved ones is the greatest. Wishing you a very happy retirement. God bless you and your family," wrote Cecilia Ohis, who referred to Lee's honorific title.

Teo Shea Leen wrote: "Thank you for all the sacrifices and winning that made Malaysia known to the world. We are very proud of you and want nothing but the best for you, your family and especially your health."

Another, Nazri Ahmad reassured Lee that he would always have a special place in the hearts and minds of all Malaysians.

"You will always be remembered as a national hero and a Malaysian icon. Once again thank you," he wrote, echoing the sentiments of many others.

Lee was first diagnosed with early stage nose cancer but returned to training later for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. However, he decided to retire after the doctors warned him against performing high intensity training.

Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who accompanied Lee at the press conference to announce the retirement, said Lee Chong Wei was a true fighter who refused to give up even after being diagnosed with cancer,

Syed Saddiq told the press conference that the 36-year old would be difficult to replace and hoped the new generation of Malaysian athletes would take example from Lee's fighting spirit.

"While he retires the fighting spirit of Lee Chong Wei will burn in the hearts and minds of all athletes in Malaysia, not just in badminton but all athletes.

"The fact that he had to go through a few medical processes, it's quite tough but at that time he still made the decision to continue to play, to train. He didn't stop, which shows that he is a true fighter like no other out there," he said.

Saddiq added that Lee had been nominated as the Chef de Mission for the Malaysian delegation in the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games, as there was no better candidate than Lee, who had repeatedly expressed his hope to compete in the games.

Also present was Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Norza Zakaria who hailed Lee as a heroic figure who united Malaysians from all walks of life and helped the country stand tall on the world stage.

"It's sad, because he leaves behind such a very strong legacy. It's also sad, because his contributions have been monumental.

"Just like every Malaysian, I too had mixed feelings when we spoke about his retirement. But I also feel happy and privileged, because here is a man, who was able to call it quits on his own terms," he said.