Tottenham defender Ledley King has announced his retirement from professional football.
The former England international has had a career filled with high and lows due to injury problems.
The 31-year-old lifted the League Cup in 2008 and helped Spurs achieve Champions League qualification for the first time in their history in 2009/2010.
The defender has struggled with injuries that have seen his appearances limited in recent seasons.
Chairman Daniel Levy proudly spoke of the contribution that King has given at White Hart Lane and the role he will play behind the scenes.
“Ledley has made a magnificent contribution to this Club - as a wonderful player, Captain and ambassador," Daniel Levy told the clubs official website.
"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."
King spoke of the rarity of staying at one club for an entire career but the defender has insisted that he could never imagine wearing another team’s shirt.
“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," Ledley told the clubs official 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."
The defender also stated that he is happy to continue to work with Spurs and is looking forward to being heavily involved within the community
"I pleased that I can continue to work within the Club and for the local community, especially after the devastation caused by the riots last year," King added.
“I am already heavily involved with the work of Spurs Foundation and the new stadium scheme will be a major factor in the regeneration of the area, so I am delighted that I shall be part of that.”
Originally Posted by McNamara That Ghost...
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