'I wasn't expecting a positive response' - AB de Villiers in his first interview post-retirement

South Africa's AB de Villiers in action

©REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

Star South African batsman AB de Villiers, who recently announced his retirement, accepted that he wasn’t expecting a positive response to the news.

Like your on-field game, may you have 360-degree success off the field as well. You will definitely be missed, @ABdeVilliers17. My best wishes to you! pic.twitter.com/LWHJWNXcVG
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 23, 2018

AB de Villiers sent shock waves through the cricketing circles when he decided to hang his boots from all forms international cricket with immediate effect. When ABD announced this out of the blue, his fans and supporters all over the globe were in a state of disbelief.

Also Read: Twitter dejected as AB de Villiers hangs up his boots from International cricket

However, just a day later, the Superman from South Africa has conceded that the time before taking the big decision was a hectic one and he was not particularly optimistic about the response. “It was quite a tough day yesterday, and I’m just glad that I could get through it. But ya, what can I say… I will forever be grateful to the people of South Africa for their incredible support.

Thank you to everyone - especially the players past and present, MY TEAMMATES and opponents - for their good wishes and understanding. The last few days have been tough and emotional, but I’m taken aback by all the love and support! #proteafire for life
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 24, 2018

“I wasn’t expecting a positive response, to be honest. It was a really tough decision – I’ve been struggling with it for a while, and I’m just glad we got through it. Now it’s a bit of family time, and a bit of time at home – I can’t wait, hey,” de Villiers told to www.iol.co.za, in the first interview that he gave after retirement.

Talking about the mounting pressure, ABD said that he now wanted to spend some quality time with his family and relax a bit.

“I’ve dealt with a good amount of pressure over the years! So for the next few months, I just want to chill. I’m pretty sure something will come up. Look, I’m not completely retired out of all cricket. Like I said, I’m still going to play for the Titans.

Thank you for the support throughout the years. To everyone in South Africa, it would definitely not have been possible without everyone out there. Thank you,” an emotional de Villiers concluded.