"I almost feel guilty playing here" - When MJ felt awkward playing against the Bulls

After being drafted in 1984, Michael Jordan became a Chicago Bulls phenomenon by staying loyal to the team for 14 years, breaking numerous records and winning six championships along the way. He even managed to spend about a year and a half away from it all when he "retired" in 1993.

However, MJ always had a deeper connection to the Windy City, which surprised some people, considering he played for the Washington Wizards a few years later.

MJ played against the Bulls in Chicago for the first time in January 2002. The Wizards won a grueling 77-69 game, with MJ getting a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds.

"It wasn't a pretty game, both teams wanted to play well. A lot can be made about the game, me personally, I didn't play particularly well but we won the game, we found a way to win the game and that means the most," Jordan said to Ahmad Rashad in the post-game interview. "It's tough playing here, I almost feel guilty playing here. With the fans and the appreciation they paid to me earlier in the game, it's tough playing in front of them ."

Jordan will stay connected to the Bulls forever

Even if Jordan left for the Wizards front office after retiring for the second time in 1998, he was still connected to Chi-town. He was synonymous with the city and the organization because he elevated them to the highest peak of any professional team in American sports six times.

While the Boston Celtics dominated the 1960s, they do not compare to the Bulls' popularity in the 1990s. Jordan was the primary reason why people got into basketball, not just in the USA but around the world. Anytime people talked about basketball, it was often about Jordan and the Bulls.

Over the past decade, MJ has been in the Charlotte Hornets ownership group. While he has fewer shares nowadays, he is still with the Hornets organization. However, almost three decades after he stepped away from the Bulls' franchise, he is and will forever be recognized as an icon in Chicago.

Jordan gave Chicago the best time

It was sad for MJ to retire from basketball and step away from the Chicago Bulls in 1998, but he gave them the organization's best years. Winning six titles across two three-peats during the '90s proved they were the most dominant team and were deserving of being the most popular team worldwide.

The dynamic between Chicago and Michael is probably the best out of any non-hometown superstar. He gave them the best moments they have ever had in professional sports, making them the most respected team of the decade.

"You guys have given me great pleasure to play in the city of Chicago. My heart will always be in Chicago. I love y'all, still support the Chicago Bulls. Thank you for your support over the years. I love y'all. Thank you very much," Jordan said in a later visit to Chicago in 2003.

Related: "All of them turned their backs on me" - Wes Unseld said all Wizards players refused to give Michael Jordan a retirement gift