SACHIN BEGINS HIS SPEECH...
All my friends ... settle down, let me talk, I'll get more and more emotional ... My life, between 22 yards for 24 years, it's hard to believe that wonderful journey is coming to an end. I would like to thank people who have played an important part in my life. I'm carrying this lsit to remember all the names in case I forget someone. I hope you understand. It's getting a little difficult to talk but I'll manage.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF HIS SPEECH,.. WHEN HE MENTIONED HIS FATHER...
The most important person in my life, and I've missed him a lot since he passed away in 1999, is my father. Without his guidance I don't think I would be standing here. He gave me freedom from the age of 11. He told me: chase your dreams but make sure you don't take shortcuts. Above all he told me to be a nice human being. Every time I have done something speclal and showed my bat, it was for my father.
WHEN HE MENTIONED HIS MOTHER
My mother. I don't know how she dealt with such a naughty child like me. I was not easy to manage! She must be extremely patient. A big thank you to her for all the sacrifices she made." He goes on to thank his aunt and uncle, elder brother and his sister, who gave him his first cricket bat. "That is where the journey began.
HE MENTIONING HIS BROTHER
My brother Ajit sacrificed his career for my cricket. It started at the age of 11, when he spotted a spark in me and took me to my coach Achrekar sir. That changed my life. Even last night he called me and we were discussing my dismissal.
HE MENTIONING HIS WIFE
The most beautiful thing happened to me in 1990 when I met my wife Anjali. When we decided to have a family, Anjali took the initiative to step back from her career as a doctor. Without that I don't think I would have been able to play cricket freely and without any stress. THanks for bearing with all my fuss, all my frustrations, and all the rubbish I have spoken - I usually do - and always staying by my side. You're the best partnership I've had in my life." She has wept approximately 34357 tears in the last five minutes.
HE MENTIONING HIS CHILDREN
My children, you have been so, so special to me, you cannot imagine. In the last 16 years i have not spent enough time with you. promise you, in the next 16 years or beyond that, everything is for you.
HE MENTIONING HIS FRIEND AND COACH
He drove me all around Mumbai on his scooter. On a lighter note, in the last 29 years sir has never said 'well played' to me because he thought I would get complacent. Maybe now you can sir because there are no more matches.
like my family away from home ... I just feel all of us are so fortunate and proud to be part of the Indian cricket team, serving the nation. Knowing all of you guys, I know you will continue to serve the nation in the spirit, with the right values. I believe we have been the lucky ones to be chosen by the almighty to serve this wonderful sport.
GOOD BYE..
I know my speech is getting long but this is the last thing I want to say. I want to thank the people who have supported me endlessly, whenever I scored a zero or a hundred-plus. I've met so many people who have fasted for me, prayed for me, done so many things for me. I want to thank you from the bottom of the heart. Time has flown by, but the memories will be with me forever. Especially "Sachin! Sachin!" That will reverberate in my ears until I stop breathing. Thank you very much. If I missed out a few names I hope you understand. Goodbye. ..................................ENDLESS
GOOD BY SACHIN... YOU WILL LIVE IN MY HEART
