Sachin Tendulkar Farewell speech: Tendulkar signs off with moving speech

'All my friends, settle down. Let me talk, I'll get more and more emotional.' The crowd goes berserk out there. 'My life between 22 yards in 24 years, it's hard to believe that it's coming to an end. I would like to thank all the people who have helped me in my life to get here. I have a list in my hand, please forgive me if I miss out on a few names. First, my father, he passed away in 1999. He was very key for my career. He gave me freedom, and he told me, chase your dreams and don't find shortcuts. He also told me to be a nice human being. My mother, I don't how she dealt with such a naughty guy like me. She took care of me to be healthy. She started praying for me even before I started my career and I think those prayers gave me strength. In my school days, I used to stay with my uncle and aunt as my school was far away. They treated me like their son. They gave me enough food so that I can play well. My eldest brother Nitin, he used to tell me, I know you'd do everything right and I have the confidence in you. My sister Savita, she presented me my first bat which was a Kashmir Willow. She is one of the many who fast when I bat. Ajit my brother, I don't know what to talk about him. We've lived this dream together. It all started from the age of 11, he took me to Achrekar sir, my coach. And my life changed. Even last night, he called me and we were discussing my dismissal. Even after I finish, we discuss technique. We've had arguments and disagreements. If I had not done that, I would have been a lesser cricketer. The most beautiful thing to have happened is, in 1991, I met my wife Anjali. I know she was a doctor. When we decided to make a family, she said, you continue with your cricket and I'll take care of the family. Without that I think I couldn't have played so much cricket. Thank you for all that you've done and it is the best partnership I've had in my life. Then Sara and Arjun are two precious diamonds in my life. Daughter is 16 and son is 14, time has flown by. I wasn't able to be with them for the birthdays, annual days, sports days. Thanks for understanding all that, both of you have been so special to me. I've not spent enough time with you in the 14-16 years, but I promise you that for the next 16 and beyond, everything is for you. My in-laws have been very supportive and caring. I discuss various things with them, we have a strong family and I've taken a lot of advice from them. The important thing they did was allow me to marry Anjali. There have been a lot of friends who have supported me in the last 24 years. They have made terrific contributions. They have been with me when I was stressed, leaving their work and coming to bowl to me when I called them. I thought my career was over when I was injured, but my friends called even at 3 AM and made me believe that it was not over. My career started at 11. My brother took me to Achrekar sir and that is the best to have happened to me. I was extremely delighted to see Achrekar sir in the stands. Sir would be taking me on his scooter all over Mumbai to ensure that I get enough match practice. On a lighter note, he's never said well played to me so that I don't get complacent.'