Ledley King retires from football

Ledley King

Tottenham captain Ledley King has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.

A series of chronic knee problems have forced the talented central defender to hang up his boots following a 14-year professional playing career at White Hart Lane.

However, the former England international will stay on at Spurs after accepting an ambassadorial role.

“I have been here since I was a boy, I have always considered it my club and have always found it hard to imagine wearing the shirt of another team," King, who lifted the 2008 League Cup with Tottenham, told the club’s website. “I know that being a one-club man is a rarity these days, but I have always enjoyed being part of the set-up here and the challenge of putting this club up with the elite where it should be.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone at the club and to the fans. I have missed a lot of football over the years, but the Spurs fans have always been patient and incredibly supportive with me during difficult periods.

“Sadly my injuries and inability to train have now finally brought an end to my career.”

King also picked up 21 England caps, scoring two goals, and will be fondly remembered for his outstanding performance against France at Euro 2004 during the group stages.

"Ledley has made a magnificent contribution to this club - as a wonderful player, captain and ambassador," Spurs chairman Daniel Levy added. "It has been well documented how he has battled against injury over the years and it is testament to the character of the man how he managed to sustain such high standards of performance on the pitch, while providing such fine leadership.

"It is in an ambassadorial capacity that Ledley will continue, playing a crucial role in supporting the club's work in the community and the ongoing regeneration of the Tottenham area, whilst also being a hugely positive role model for our younger players.”

Spurs boss André Villas-Boas will now need to appoint a new captain, but the Portuguese has already brought in Belgium international Jan Vertonghen as a like-for-like replacement.

Steven Caulker, another centre-back, will also be available for selection after signing a new four-year contract earlier this month following an impressive loan spell with Swansea City last season.

Spurs begin their 2012-13 Premier League campaign in less than a month’s time against Newcastle United at the Sports Direct Arena.

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