"Today, my racing career comes to an end and, obviously it's a special moment for me and I am proud to have lived my career with some fantastic people -- namely everyone who is a part of the Ferrari family," said the German star.
"There is so much to say - I can't find the right words.
"The things I will miss are probably the fans and in every moment they have been behind me and always supported me.
"Their support helped me perform, especially in moments when it was difficult. Over the years that was immensely important. I can only say thank you to those people and those fans."
Proud exit
The seven-time world champion finished his career with one of his most stirring drives to come home in fourth place, cruelly just off the podium.
But he still managed to find a metaphor that brought symmetry to his 15 years of sustained and extraordinary racing.
"In a way, it's a closed circle now for me, because my Formula One career started and finished after 500 metres which was, maybe, a symbol of what happened yesterday."
His words referred to the fact that his first race and his last were hit by problems that wrecked his hopes of victory.
But his actions on the track in his Ferrari spoke volumes for his talent, speed, courage and determination as he stormed from the back of the field, after a puncture, to finish fourth.
Schumacher also offered warm congratulations to team-mate Felipe Massa for his first triumph on Brazilian soil.
"It's great for him to be the first Brazilian to win at Interlagos since
Ayrton Senna. It would have been nice if I could at least have made it to the podium alongside him.
Schumacher added his best memory was his title win in 2000.
"We had a lot of hard work and setbacks so when we finally won it, it was the most beautiful championship," said Schumacher.
But the seven-time world champion admitted he did have some regrets.
"There were things I would do differently, but if I went into that it would get too intense and we don't have time right now.
"But there is the song 'My Way' and I think that is true right now.
"My dad was happy to see me after the race and he said: "Finally, it's over".
"He was quite happy. I feel more relaxed although I think his heart rate was higher in the race than mine."