Although they have been friends since the 1990s, Michael Jordan was unable to attend Chris Chelios' jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday due to a death in his family.
The former Chicago Bulls star was scheduled to be at the United Center, according to the Chicago Tribune, with the 61-year-old one of Chelios' famous guests. However, Jordan appeared on the giant screen to congratulate his friend.
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“Listen, you are a very deserving man and I am proud to see your jersey up there with my jersey,” he said. You and I have been friends for 30 years, so I wish you all the best. I'm sending you lots of love. Come on, Blackhawks!”
The two men's numbers 7 and 23 now hover high above the United Center, where the Bulls and Blackhawks played from 1994 to 1998.
“I saw him a few weeks ago and we talked,” Chelios told NBC Sports Chicago. It does not bother me. He is there in thought. I am with him on high. We talked about it. We spoke yesterday [samedi] and he was always there for me. He was there for the Hall of Fame [en 2013]. Something happened and we’re going to celebrate on his boat next week.”
On January 12, Jordan also missed the Bulls' Ring of Honor event.