Quote from his retirement statement:

So yes, I have decided to leave. I'm sorry that I can't go to Tokyo this time. I'm also sorry that I didn't win the Olympic title. But I know that I have no regrets because I have tried my best. I've tried my best. I hope my name, Lee Chong Wei, inspires each of you in different ways, as you inspire me. Without my family, teammates, coaches and supporters, I would have accomplished nothing. I want to tell all my friends who play badminton, as well as athletes like Lin Dan, Taufik, Peter Gade, and Li Xuanyi, yes, my sports career is over. Thank you for playing so many wonderful games with me. These games were great, and I think our time is coming to an end. Momota, Axelsen, Yuqi, Zijia, they are all holding their positions well. You want the world to know that badminton is the best sport on earth. All badminton players in Malaysia, don’t give up on your dreams. Remember, thousands of Malaysians are praying for your victory. You have to train hard every day and always try to break your training record yesterday. Moreover, an athlete's career is short, don't end it with regrets. In fact, there will be some children who are worshiping you and regard you as Malaysian superheroes. Don't let them down. Fight for the flag and fight for the national anthem.

It made me cry.

Lee Chong Wei is like this. He is not like Lin Dan, who reached the top when he debuted. He is not like Lin Dan who has the most abnormal body and the most advanced coaching team. He is not like Tao Fei who is extremely talented and unreasonable. , it took him five years of ups and downs in the international arena to make his mark. He is in Malaysia and does not get the best resources but bears the heaviest expectations. Just like we who regard table tennis as a national sport and struggle not to win a world championship, such expectations will become shackles. And Li Zongwei has been carrying this shackles for 15 years. Isn’t such a player worthy of respect? He is just like you and me in life, burdened with various responsibilities, beaten black and blue by life, never truly winning but never truly knocked down, always persevering, Always on the way forward.