LaNm confirms retirement, denies teammates’ attitude problems

Sadly, this is the last time we’re going to see Team DK in this roster. If you were hoping for Zhang “LaNm” Zhicheng to change his mind about retirement and stay for another year, his recent post on his weibo says otherwise. Here’s a screenshot of the post:

Here’s an English translation:

This year with DK was the most exciting first half of my life. My most trusted carry, the strongest two solo positions, my most understood partner, coach, fans, thanks for accompanying me on the last part of my professional career. The media article was a lie, after returning to China, I will share with DK’s fans my exciting year with DK.

The media article LaNm is talking about is this post on a Chinese website. The article blamed Chai Yee “Mushi” Fung, Daryl “iceiceice” Koh, and even the coach Wen Yi “71” Tang’s attitude problems that held the team back in skill and in spirit, which also ruined DK’s relationships with other Chinese teams. The article was allegedly written by a DK staff member who claims to be hiding behind an alias.

LaNm first spoke about his retirement and intentions to settle down in an interview during The International 2014 (TI4). While the community was sad to see another veteran step away from the Dota 2 scene as a competitor, they still hoped that LaNm would change his mind. DK finished fourth place overall with a cash prize of $819,833 and fans were even more hopeful that DK would stick together for revenge next year. Unfortunately, with LaNm’s confirmed retirement, however, this is now impossible.

(See: Team Newbee is your TI4 champion)

While we won’t be seeing LaNm in competitive play anymore, this does not mean we won’t be seeing him in the scene at all. It is possible that he will remain as a caster or analyst like Chen “Zhou” Yao and Zou “820” Yitian.

Another veteran that fans are waiting for to decide is Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei. He was supposed to retire a year ago after his team’s loss at The International 2013 (TI3), but thought better of it and reformed Team DK to its current roster. However, the legendary carry has yet to make an announcement regarding his career.

Who are the other Dota 2 International veterans?

(via Reddit, image source)