Australian basketball superstar Lauren Jackson has announced her immediate retirement from the game, with injuries ending her chances of capping her career with another Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

She made her announcement at the AIS in Canberra on Thursday, surrounded by her Opals team-mates.

“It really is so surreal retiring here where it all began 19 years ago,” Jackson said.

“Today I’m announcing my retirement from the love of my life, basketball. It took me all over the world, gave me friendships forever so thank you to everyone for being here.”

A 6’5″ (1.96m) forward and centre, Jackson won three Olympic silver medals (2000, 2004, 2008) and one bronze (2012) with the Opals.

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The 34-year-old was also named the Most Valuable Player in the American WNBA on three occasions and won the award in Australia’s WNBL four times.

Former Opals coach Jan Stirling paid tribute to Jackson, highlighting her outstanding commitment to the national team.

“When I first saw Lauren and what she could do on the basketball court, I knew she was someone special,” she said.

“Throughout all of her accomplishments she has remained humble and through a 19-year commitment to the Opals, she never missed a major event.”

Basketball Australia chief executive Anthony Moore spoke of the legacy Jackson will leave for the sport.

“Lauren leaves behind a legacy that future generations of Opals as well as all young basketballers can look up to,” he said.

“Her commitment to the … Australian Opals and her work ethic should be honoured as well as her tireless efforts both on and off the court in the promotion of basketball.

“Throughout the USA, Europe, Asia and of course Australia, Lauren has left a lasting impression on everyone that saw her play and we are privileged to have witnessed her journey.”

Jackson split her time between her American club the Seattle Storm and the WNBL’s Canberra Capitals before eventually parting ways with the Storm after more than a decade of excellent service in the world’s best women’s basketball competition.

Earlier this year, the Capitals released the veteran, but she still held out hope to add more Olympic glory in Rio before signing off for good.

But the latter part of Jackson’s career was marred by constant absences due to chronic knee injuries, and these eventually led to her announcement.

More to come.