New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS): Michael Schumacher enjoyed a long and illustrious career, much like Sachin Tendulkar. As Tendulkar plays in his swansong series, the Formula 1 legend says retirement is something the cricketing icon can look forward to.

"As a sportsman with a long active career as well, I think I can judge what it means to be around as many years as Sachin Tendulkar is, and I can only express my biggest respect for his achievements," seven-time world champion Schumacher told IANS in an email.

While Schumacher raced in F1 as recent as last year after making his debut in 1991, Tendulkar has completed 24 years at the highest level.

The association of the two greats began in 2002 when the German presented a Ferrari to Tendulkar for equalling Don Bradman's record of 29 Test hundreds.

"We have met several times in Italy and India, and even if admittedly I was not - and still am not - very firm in the sport of cricket, I am fully aware of how many people around the world are. Having retired a bit earlier than him, I can also tell him that it (retirement) is something he can look forward to. There is just so much to discover, as finally there is time to do so. I wish him all the best."

They were last seen together at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in 2011, a season after Schumacher came out of retirement to drive for Mercedes. Tendulkar waved the chequred flag in the same race won by Sebastian Vettel.