Former India captain Anil Kumble has said that he was proud of having played with Sachin Tendulkar who was recently conferred with the Bharat Ratna.
Kumble said Tendulkar's contribution on and off the field have been immense.
He said Tendulkar should be allowed to spend some time with his family, after so much of travelling for the last 24 years, playing cricket.
Kumble expressed regret at not attending the farewell Test of Tendulkar at Wankhede stadium as he was busy with some work related to Karnataka State Cricket Association elections.
"I couldn't make it to Wankhede as I was busy filing nominations.
"I told Tendulkar I would be present at the stadium on fourth day but unfortunately the match folded on third day," he said.
Case filed against Bharat Ratna award to Tendulkar
'My best memory of Tendulkar was when we won the 2011 World Cup'
'I will waive the tri-colour in every match India plays at home'
Record was not on mind, says Mumbai schoolboy Shaw after hitting 546
Will Sachin follow in the footsteps of these cricket greats?