"After 25 years, I have decided to move on. Cricket has given me everything and is the reason why I stand here today," the 37-year-old Yuvraj said addressing the media here.
Yuvraj Singh crying after winning 2011 World Cup
Fighting back tears, Yuvraj Singh Monday announced retirement from international cricket, ending a "rollercoaster" career during which he became the hero of India's 2011 World Cup triumph and fought a gritty battle with cancer.
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"After 25 years, I have decided to move on. Cricket has given me everything and is the reason why I stand here today," the 37-year-old Yuvraj said addressing the media here.
"I was extremely lucky to play 400 games for India. I could have never imagined it when I first started playing cricket," he added.
Yuvraj played 40 Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is for India. He put together 1900 runs in the longest format, and 8701 in the one-dayers, the format in which he enjoyed most success.
Also Read: Yuvraj Singh announces retirement, will never play for India again
"It was a love-hate relationship with this game. I can't explain what it really means to me. This game taught me to fight. I have failed more times than I succeeded and I will never give up," he said.
The attacking left-hander listed the the 2011 World Cup triumph, being man of the match in the event's final, getting six sixes in an over against England in the same tournament and his first Test hundred, against Pakistan in Lahore in 2004, as the three most special moments of his career.
The battle with cancer soon after the 2011 World Cup triumph was perhaps the biggest challenge that he encountered.
"I was not going to let that disease defeat me," he said.
However, his cricketing form had been on the wane for a while. Yuvraj last played for India in a T20I against England in 2017. His last Test appearance was back in 2012.
He turned up for Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL but didn't get many chances.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Yuvraj Singh's emotional goodbye:
The man who starred in India's 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup victories, @YUVSTRONG12 announces his retirement from International cricket.
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 10, 2019
What's your favourite #YuvrajSingh moment in international cricket? pic.twitter.com/7Bw5LnwOFG
India's WorldCup Hero.#YuvrajSingh ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0099Âu00c2u008fðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0099Âu00c2u008fðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0099Âu00c2u008f pic.twitter.com/WewxJqqB0B
— Arjun Palwai (@Urs_Druva) June 10, 2019
Thank you, Yuvraj Singh, for all the memories. You are a True Hero. âÂu00c2u009d¤#YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/CgnXwntU7K
— Bhavika Rohira (@RohiraBhavika) June 10, 2019
#YuvrajSingh Forever pic.twitter.com/ZfH9PZ3VpN
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 10, 2019
What a player!!!!!!
— Ganesh Doifode (@DoifodeGanesh19) June 10, 2019
Let alone the numbers, Inspiration to millions!!!! #YuvrajSingh will be Legend Forever pic.twitter.com/W9gFrHtrUy
"It's time to say goodbye and walk away. It was a beautiful story, but it has come to an end."
— Mi Kerala FC (@mipaltanKL) June 10, 2019
~ Yuvraj Singh
We will Miss you Yuvi âÂu00c2u009d¤
Legend | Inspiration | Role Model #YuvrajSingh #ThankyouYuvi pic.twitter.com/5m0I0TdRTu
" I have been playing international cricket on and off for 17 years. Now, it is time to say good bye to move on and walk away. It has been an roller coaster ride and great story but it has to come to an end " ~ Yuvraj Singh
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) June 10, 2019
#YuvrajSingh"My next focus in life is to help cancer patients and under privileged kids": #YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/lxBY71YBmz
— Manoj Manikandan (@ManojVjM) June 10, 2019
Thank UðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0098¢ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0098 #YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/eG9iM0axbT
— Jerseyno.7 CSKðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u008fÂu00c2u008fðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0087®ðÂu00c2u009fÂu00c2u0087³ (@DJViras7) June 10, 2019
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