Mumbai, Mar 7: One of the most feared batsman of all time, Sir Viv Richards, has come out in support of another legend, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

"You have to be patient with him. Sachin has been around for so long that when he goes, he is going to be sadly missed. So, while you have him now, why not enjoy him till the very end?" ‘The King’ was quoted as saying by an Indian daily on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

In his 22 years of international cricket, Tendulkar has erased and set many records. But the one achievement that has been eluding the Little Master is his much-anticipated 100th century. Although he has looked in sublime form on several occasions the past year, the landmark remains out of reach. Tendulkar last scored a century on March 12, 2011, against South Africa, during the 2011 World Cup.

"The milestone, which has eluded him over a period of time, will come. You have got to sympathise with Sachin. He needs to be given an opportunity to accomplish that. He deserves it because of the contribution he has made to the game,” he said about the 38-year-old.

"It's a huge milestone and you will only get an opportunity to pass this way once. It would be a milestone for other Indian batsmen to try and emulate. I doubt whether they will get there, but it is something to aim for," Richards added.

"I have always felt Sachin epitomises what batsmanship is all about. I am a great fan of Sachin – not only for his cricket, but also for his mannerisms, his politeness and humble nature,” said the former West Indies captain whom the young Tendulkar idolised.

"Sachin has given longevity a good name – how, if you take care of yourself, barring a few injuries, you can go on. He is the perfect example of professionalism.

"Winning the World Cup in India was a perfect sort of team achievement. I am not sure if he has his sights on another World Cup, but all this is pretty hard to beat. He is special for the game," he said.