Mumbai: The man who took the catch to end Sachin Tendulkar’s last innings — West Indies skipper Darren Sammy — said he didn’t celebrate as he realised he had just brought the curtain down on the legendary batsman’s career.

“When I took that brilliant catch to dismiss him, there was no emotion shown. That’s the level of respect that I have for the man. When he came out to bat we had also given him the guard of honour,” said Sammy, who took the catch at first slip off the bowling of Narsine Deonarine at the Wankhede Stadium here.

“The way the game was shaping up then, probably that would be the last time we all saw him bat. We have the utmost respect for Sachin, respect for what he’s done for the game.”

Talking about the response from fans towards Tendulkar on his farewell, Sammy said: “He is a special man. He is made even more special by the way the fans treat him. I don’t think any other sportsman in any sport has gotten that type of treatment from his or her followers.

“India has set the benchmark as to how you support your own son of the soil. Many great cricketers have come and gone, but Sachin is one that will never be forgotten.

“Kids who are probably not born yet, they will grow up in India and they will hear about Sachin Tendulkar. That’s the legacy he has left behind. So to be part of it, it’s a wonderful experience. To be part of this momentous occasion is something I will never forget.”

Tendulkar, who retired from cricket after India won the second Test on Saturday, leaves the game with an incredible 100 international centuries. He missed out on adding to that tally when Sammy caught him out for 74, but the touring skipper revealed the Master Blaster’s name alone struck fear into any opposition.

“As an opponent, whenever you hear of Sachin your shoulders tend to drop. As a teammate, probably you would be so happy to be in the same team as him. World cricket, no matter which team you support, wherever Sachin is playing, you have to watch,” Sammy said.

“I don’t know how the dressing room will be when India plays their next Test match and Tendulkar is not in the XI, but I think opponents will be happy that they are not coming up against Sachin. The cricket world will surely miss the sport’s greatest ambassador.”