Tottenham defender announces retirement and thanks fans

Ledley King has called time on his playing career at Tottenham and will take on an ambassadorial role within the club.

The 31-year-old former England international has been at Spurs for 17 years, but persistent knee problems had made it impossible for him to train regularly in recent years.

“Tottenham has been the only club for me - and if I can’t play here then I shall look to be involved in another capacity,” King told Tottenham’s official website.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone at the club, and to the fans,” he added.

“I have been here since I was a boy, it is a second home for me. I’m pleased that I can continue to work within the club.”

Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy, meanwhile, described King as a “wonderful player, captain and ambassador”.

“It has been well documented how he has battled against injury over the years,” said Levy.

“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.”