I’m over the moon, honey!

Time to focus on family: Lee Chong Wei posing with his wife Wong Mew Choo after a press conference to announce his retirement in Putrajaya yesterday. — Reuters

PUTRAJAYA: Datin Wong Mew Choo has been married to Datuk Lee Chong Wei since 2012 but the parents of two boys have yet to go on a honeymoon due to his commitment to badminton.

With his retirement now, Chong Wei has expressed his intention to take his other half for their long-overdue honeymoon, said his wife.

Although delighted, Mew Choo, however, is in no rush to go on the trip yet.

“For me now, a honeymoon is not important; what’s more important is his health,” Mew Choo told the media after Chong Wei announced his retirement at a press conference at Menara KBS, the Youth and Sports Ministry headquarters here, yesterday.

“It’s also not easy to plan or travel far because we have children (Kingston, six, and Terrance, four) but for now we just want his body to recover and to give him time to relax.“We also want him to think of his future. Before this (the retirement), he was an athlete and I believe he still wants to help Malaysian badminton but in a different capacity,” said Mew Choo, also a former national badminton star.

Asked about her dream destination for their honeymoon, the 36-year-old replied with a laugh: “I think you (the media) should ask him where he wants to take me.”

She recalled that during her playing days, she had been in Los Angeles for the World Championships and hoped to go back there one day.

“So we will plan ... maybe Maldives, we don’t know yet.”

Mew Choo acknowledged that the decision to retire was a difficult one for Chong Wei, 36, but as his wife, she is happy to have him spend more time at home.

“After playing for 19 years, it was very difficult for him to make this decision; it felt like something that no words could describe. But it’s finally time for him to relax and enjoy life.

“He had spent much time on his career and badminton and honestly, he seldom had time for the family but now, he will have more time to watch his sons grow.”

Mew Choo added that everyone was worried when Chong Wei wanted to attempt a comeback and resume training after his cancer treatment.

“It wasn’t only me but everyone - the coaches, family and doctors - we were all worried for his health but as an athlete, he has fighting spirit – never say no until you have tried.

“Well, at least he has tried but since the doctor has advised him to lessen the pressure on himself, it’s good for him to retire.”