The 40-year-old batting icon struggled to keep his emotions in check as he delivered his farewell speech in front of cheering fans before going back to the pitch to touch it in reverence for one last time. ‘My life between 22 yards for 24 years, it is hard to believe that the wonderful journey is coming to end. I would take this opportunity to thank all those people who have played an important role in my life,’ Tendulkar said at the presentation ceremony.
In a speech which left many with moist eyes, Tendulkar thanked his family, coaches, teammates, friends and fans. ‘All my Friends, settle down and let me talk, or I will get more emotional. It is getting difficult to talk but I will manage. I have got a list of people to thank because sometimes I forget,’ he joked.
‘The most important person in my life and I have missed him a lot, my father (Ramesh Tendulkar). Without his guidance wouldn’t have stood here. He gave me freedom at the age of 11 and sa id ‘chase your dream but don’t find shortcuts. the path will be difficult.’
‘He told me to be a nice human being. I have tried my best. I miss him Saturday,’ said Tendulkar, who always looked heavenwards after every big knock in memory of his father, who passed away in 1999. Next in the list was his mother Rajni, who came to watch Tendulkar for the first time in his farewell match besides the other immediate family members.
‘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. Her prayers have given me the strength to go out and perform. For four years I stayed with my uncle and aunt when in school, they treated me like their own son and I am glad that it continues even Saturday,’ he said.
‘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,’ he said. My eldest brother Nitin doesn’t like to talk much but he said, ‘whatever you do, I know you will give 100 per cent’.
‘Ajit my brother, we have lived this dream together. He sacrificed his career for me, he took me to (Ramakant) 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,’ he added.
‘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. When we had a family, she decided I should continue playing and she took care of the children. You are the best partnership that I had in my life.
On his son Arjun (14) and daughter Sara (16), Tendulkar said, ‘The two precious diamonds of my life Sara and Arjun. I’ve missed out on several birthdays, holidays, annual days. I know for 14-16 years I’ve not spent enough time with you. But I promise you that the next 16 and the many more after that are yours,’ he said.