Sachin's Speech....
"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 decides 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 have 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 cricker 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
my treatment was 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 Vinay 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 years till I stop
breathing."
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