KOBE Bryant only spent two days in Manila but the brief visit left a lasting impression on the basketball legend.
On his seventh visit to the country, the retired Los Angeles Lakers star was visibly touched after he was honored with his own banner during the Mamba Mentality Night last Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum facing the other iconic sign inside the Big Dome: Muhammad Ali's Thrilla in Manila fight in 1975.
Bryant left a message to his Filipino fans in a video released on Wednesday by Nike Philippines.
"To the Philippines, thank you so much for the tremendous honor. Seeing my number retired is absolutely something I will never forget. The love that you have shown me. The way that you guys have embraced me is something that I will always, always remember so thank you so much for that," said Bryant.
"Secondly, I hope that you guys remember to always demand of yourself. Always push yourself beyond what your expectations are and demand more. Love the hate," he added.
"Mamba out. Peace."
Watch the video here:
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