`Basketball Emperor` Jordan`s Return Impending

As the return of `the Emperor of Basketball` Michael Jordan (38) is nearing, the news of his return is stirring the fans around the world. Jordan, who has attracted much attention on his return to NBA for the past six months, expressed yesterday his desire to come back in a conversation with The Associated Press, reporters for the Chicago Sun-Times and cnnsi.com. Jordan said the news conference to announce his decision would be held within 10 days.

Asked why he was coming back, Jordan said, ``I`m doing it for the love of the game. Nothing else. For the love of the game.`` And he told that ``if he returns to play, he will not play for the Chicago Bulls, but with Washington Wizards, of which he is a president and a part owner.``

Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six championships, and then retired in 1999. But it does not seem that his purpose to return lies in the championship of the team he will play for. Asked how he can play in such a weak team as the Washington Wizards with six champion rings, Jordan answered resolutely.

``Winning isn`t always about championships. Winning can be defined in many ways, and it does not have to be represented in the scoreboard after game. What`s wrong with helping kids find their way, teaching them the game?`` And Jordan revealed, ``I want to play for years, if I`m to come back.``

Jordan, who has worked out all summer from last April preparing for the expected comeback, added that ``as of now, I recovered my physical condition up to 75-80 percent of the prime time. Since the wound injured in recent practice game also has been cured, there is no huddle to the return.``

But Charles Barkley, who as a close friend of Jordan has helped a comeback of Jordan, expressed the negative sign about Jordan`s return, ``Jordan was the greatest basketball player ever. But Jordan will have to compete with his own history, and he will hardly expect the positive effect.``

Kim Sang-Ho hyangsan@donga.com