Dwight Howard expresses his love for Orlando in a full page ad

Dwight Howard, who requested a trade, was part of a four-team trade on Aug. 10 that involved the Orlando Magic sending the center to the Los Angeles Lakers.

In Sunday’s Orlando Sentinel, Howard professes his love for Orlando in a full-page ad.

In the ad Howard says,

“To play the game of basketball in the NBA is a blessing and to have had the opportunity to play before the Orlando fans for eight years was truly a privilege and an honor.

“Words cannot express the love that I have for Orlando. With your support we have done great things in this city from hanging banners to impacting our youth.

“Although my career with the Magic has come to a close, my love for the city and the people that make it beautiful will never end.”

Here is the full-page ad from the Orlando Sentinel:

Howard led the Magic to the NBA Finals just three years ago. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards with the team.