'My heart feels it's time': what Sachin has said on his retirement

All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years. (Read: A hero to a billion Indians)

It's hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it's all I have ever done since I was 11 years old.

I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it's time.

It's been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test Match on home soil, as I call it a day.

The new phase of life will give me more time to enjoy other hobbies like cars, or spending time with my family. I always believe in making time for things that matter. (earlier interview)

I will never switch off from cricket and will continue to give time to what I love.

I am 40. I have to face the reality. I had decided that this would be my last season. And now the ending is perfect."(on retiring from IPL)

A number of my friends have also asked me why I didn't retire from ODI cricket after winning the world cup, they may well be right. It would indeed have been a grand exit, emotions were running high and the timing could not have been better but to be honest such a thought never occurred to me. (After the 2011 World Cup victory)

When I retire is something I will decide because when I started it was not decided by someone else. (Sachin in 2012)

Those who are advising me about retirement did not bring me into the team. I get my strength from my coaches and family (Sachin in 2012)