King calls it a day

Tottenham defender Ledley King has announced his retirement but will stay on at Spurs as a club ambassador.

King, who has captained the side since 2005, has suffered from chronic knee problems in recent years, limiting his game and training time.

The 31-year-old admitted the decision to quit was tough, and after spending his entire career at the club, he could not consider playing elsewhere.

King told the club’s official website: “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.

“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 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.”