Tottenham Hotspur’s Ledley King announces his retirement

Ledley King has thanked Tottenham Hotspur fans for their “incredible” support after the centre-half called time on his injury-plagued career due to a chronic knee problem on Thursday.

The 31-year-old scored 15 goals in 313 appearances for Spurs since making his debut in a 3-2 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in May 1999.

King, capped 21 times for England, has averaged just 14 games a season over the past three years as the defender struggled to cope with a persistent left knee injury.

“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,” said King.

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

“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.

“I am pleased that I can continue to work within the club and for the local community.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy paid testament to the Spurs captain for his service to the north London club over the past 13 years.

“Ledley has made a magnificent contribution to this club – as a wonderful player, captain and ambassador,” club chairman Daniel Levy said.

“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.”

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