Friends please settle down, I'll get more emotional! It's hard to
believe my wonderful journey is coming to an end. I've a list of names
to thank. The first is my father, who passed away in 1999. Without his
guidance I wouldn't be standing in front of you. he said 'chase your
dreams, don't give up, the path will be difficult.' I miss him today. My
mom, I don't know how she managed a naughty child like me. She just
prayed and prayed from the day I started playing the game. For four
years I stayed with my uncle and aunt when in school, they treated me
like their own son. My eldest brother Nitin doesn't like to talk ,much
but he said, whatever you do, I know you will give 100%. My first
cricket bat was presented to me by my sister Savita. She still continues
to fast while I bat. Ajit my brother - We have lived this dream
together, he sacrificed his career for me, he took me to Achrekar sir
first. Even last night he called me to discuss my dismissal. Even when
I'm not playing we will still be discussing technique. If that hadn't
happened, I would have been a lesser cricketer.
"The most beautiful
thing happened to me when I met Anjali in 1990. I know that being a
doctor there was a big career in front of her. But she decided that I
should continue playing and she took care of the children. Thanks for
bearing with me for all the nonsense I've said (Anjali wipes tears).
Then the two precious diamonds of my life Sara and Arjun. I've missed
out on several birthdays, holidays. I know for 14-16 years I've not
spent enough time with you. But I promise you I will spend the next 16.
"My inlaws - I've discussed several things with them. The most
important thing they did was allow me to marry Anjali. In the last 24
years my friends have made terrific contributions. They h0ave been with
me while I was stressed. They have been with me even at 3am when I was
injured. Thanks for being there for me.
"My career started when I
was 11. I was extremely delighted to see Achrekar sir in the stands. I
used to ride on his scooter and play two matches a day. Sir took me
along to make sure I played. On a lighter note, Sir never said 'well
played' because he didn't want me to be complacent. You can push your
luck now, Sir, since I'm not playing cricket anymore.
"I started my
career here in Mumbai. I remember landing from NZ at 4am and playing a
Ranji game the next day. The BCCI was fantastic from my debut. Thanks to
the selectors. You were right with me making sure I was well taken care
of.
"Thanks to all the senior cricketers who have played with me.
We see on the screen Rahul, VVS, Sourav, Anil who is not here. All the
coaches. I know when MS presented the 200th Test cap, I had a message to
the team - I said we are all so proud to be representing the nation. I
hope to continue to serve the nation with dignity. I have full faith
that you will serve the country in the right spirit.
I will be
failing in my duty if I didn't thank the doctors who have kept me fit.
Given the injuries I have suffered. They have treated me in odd hours.
My dear friend the late Mark Mascarenhas. I miss him. My current
management team WSG, for continuing what Mark has done. Someone who has
worked closely with me for 14 years is my friend Vinod Nayudu.
"The
media has backed me a lot, since my school days. Even today. Thank you.
Thanks to the photographers for capturing those moments.
"I know my
speech has become long. I want to thank people who have flown in from
different parts of the world. I want to thank my fans from the bottom of
my heart. "Sachin, Sachin" will reverberate in my ears till I stop
breathing." (Followed by loud cheers).
The crowd wants more. Sachin has handed back the mic. We haven't seen the last of him here surely.
Sudhir Kumar Gautam, by far his biggest fan, waves the tri-colour.
Sachin may not have mentioned his name, but he holds a special place in
his heart, you can be sure.
Sachin gets together for a huddle with his family. I'm sure he is preparing for a lap of honour around Wankhede.
And the walk start. Sachin waves the tricolour, his wife and kids next
to him and his team-mates behind. It's a leisurely walk but the
photographers are clamoring in front of him. It's an army.
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