Kumar Sangakkara believes the future is bright for Sri Lanka despite their crushing Cricket World Cup defeat to South Africa in his final one-day international.
The wicketkeeper-batsman top scored with 45 in his final 50 over game for his country as they slumped to a nine-wicket defeat in Wednesday's quarter-final.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for only 133 despite his valiant efforts, with South Africa reaching their target in just 18 overs to progress to the semi-finals.
The loss marked an underwhelming end to a glittering ODI career in which Sangakkara has scored over 14,000 runs, but the 37-year-old was philosophical a one-sided match in Sydney.
"That's the way it goes. Someone's got to lose," Sangakkara said."I don't think that [it being his last game] adds to the disappointment.
"Personally I've had a great time playing with these boys, disappointments are a part of our career and I'll just take it on the chin.
"The team is in great hands. Angelo Mathews has been such an impressive leader. If you look at the players we have, you can't help but be positive about the future.
"If you take some of the younger players, if I can compare myself to them at the same age, I think these guys are quite a ways ahead of where I was.
"They've got so much more left, and a lot more to give to Sri Lanka. I definitely think Sri Lankan cricket has progressed leaps and bounds from where we started.
"Retiring from cricket is not about form. I'm sure I can play maybe a year or two more. The time is now and it's right. The World Cup is the right occasion to do it.
"The game goes on, people shouldn't be too sentimental. A lot of better players and greater players have gone and the game's gone on and there have been new players to take their mantle and in my case it won't be any different.
"If anyone can say that they have enjoyed playing against me or playing with me I'll be happy."
The match also marked Mahela Jayawardene's last in international cricket and the prolific batsman could only score four runs on his farewell appearance.
"It's been a great privilege [to play with Jayawardene]," Sangakkara added.
"Mahela has been an exceptional player for Sri Lanka. He's given a lot both on and off the field. He's going to be sorely missed."