Malaysia's best-loved shuttler, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, remains the ever best national badminton icon, but ending the Olympics campaign in Rio is the saddest moment in his life.

Came with full hope for a golden farewell, the 33-year-old was filled with emotions, tears building up and voice choked as he spoke to the media immediately after losing his final bid for his first ever Olympic title.

China's Chen Long inflicted an agonising pain when he ended Chong Wei's unfulfilled dream to be a gold medallist in Olympics, nor as a world champion.

Chen Long defeated Chong Wei 21-18, 21-18 to claim the gold medal, while Chong Wei collected his third silver medallist in his fourth Olympic appearance.

"I want to go home and see my two kids and wife... it's been a long time in the tournament," said Chong Wei, who arrived here in Rio three weeks ago to chart his Olympic dream.

"I have to accept that I am deemed to be a silver medallist here," he added.

In his long illustrious career, Chong Wei has not won only three competitions -- Asian Games, World Championships and the Olympics.

In all these championships, Chong Wei's biggest hurdle were China's Lin Dan and compatriot Chen Long.

Chong Wei's achievement cannot match any other national shuttlers and there would be none in the future, says his long-time coach Tey Seu Bock.

Having groomed Chong Wei on and off since 2002, Seu Bock said that the player is a different breed altogether.

Chong Wei has won countless times in the World Super Series, Super Series Premier, World Super Series Finals, two-time gold medallist in the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games and twice in the Asian Championships.

He holds the record as the world number one player for six consecutive years before his doping ban last year, but crawled back from 189th ranking to top the leaderboard again in the shortest possible time after his eight-month suspension.

Before he caps off his career, Chong Wei wants to have a final shot at the World Championships next year and be crowned as the world champion.

Seu Bock said he would respect Chong Wei's decision after the Olympics.

He said Chong Wei has two more good years in him to play at high level competitions, including the 2018 Asian Games, but doubt beyond that.

"I don't want to influence him, but certainly would like him to help the coaches to groom other players... well.... we certainly need his experience," he said.

The most successful national player will always be remembered as the king of badminton without the jewel crown.