NEW YORK (AFP) - Less than a week after announcing his retirement, former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Amar'e Stoudemire said on Monday that he is continuing his career in Israel.

"I may be retiring from the NBA, but I'm not saying goodbye to basketball just yet. My next step is playing for Hapoel Jerusalem, one of the top teams in Europe. This isn't about collecting a pay cheque overseas though; it's a spiritual journey, too," he said.

Stoudemire, 33, said at a news conference on Monday in New York that he would sign a two-year deal with Hapoel Jerusalem, the team he co-owns.

As part of the deal, American sports broadcaster ESPN reported he will sell his ownership shares that he purchased in 2013.

Stoudemire was the NBA rookie of the year in 2003 as a Phoenix Suns player as well as a six-time NBA All-Star.