[Drake]

As someone who hates all things with the Yankees, I'm going to miss him though.

TAMPA, Fla. -- The greatest closer of all-time, Mariano Rivera, will retire at the end of the 2013 season.

In a news conference at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Saturday morning, the 43-year-old Rivera made the expected announcement official with his family, Yankee owner Hal Steinbrenner and all his teammates, led by Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte, at his side.

"After this year, I will be retiring," said Rivera, flanked by his wife, Clara, and his two sons.

Before making the announcement, Rivera joked that general manager Brian Cashman broke team policy and gave him a three-year deal.

It's not too easy when you come to a decision like this," Rivera said, turning serious. "After this year, I will be retired. ... Now you're hearing it from me. It's official now."

Rivera said he would have retired at the end of last season if he had not gotten hurt.

Asked how he wanted to end his career, Rivera said, "The last game I hope will be throwing the last pitch in the World Series.

"Winning the World Series, that would be my ambition."

With his retirement, Rivera will become the final major leaguer to wear No. 42. Rivera cherished the fact that he would be the last player to have the number because of what Jackie Robinson represented.

After 2013, Rivera plans on taking some time off to vacation with his family. He will devote even more time to his work with his church and eventually would like to mentor Yankee minor leaguers.

"I didn't want to leave like that," he said. "I felt like I wanted to give everything."

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/stor...rn-2013-season