Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King has called time on his football career by announcing his retirement earlier today.
King is the longest serving Tottenham player and has captained the side since 2005, the only season where he managed to start 38 games for the North London side.
He started his career at the Tottenham academy as a trainee in July 1996 and became a professional football player the next year. His debut for Spurs came at Anfield in May 1999 and later started featuring regularly for the team.
In recent seasons, King had been troubled by chronic knee injuries that have kept him on the sidelines. This problem had led to minimal game time because no remedy was found for his condition, and it prevented him from playing more than a game a week. King’s
work ethic and loyalty for Tottenham have been hailed by fans and managers alike. The defender has managed to make 268 appearances for the side in his entire career and scored 10 goals.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ledley-King-c21859 is considered a club legend by Tottenham fans, and his loyalty and commitment to the club has endeared him to the fans. King announced his retirement earlier this morning, and it is understood that he will continue to represent the club on an
ambassadorial basis.
The defender’s performances for Tottenham have been recognized and led to his http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/South-Africa-c757.
The highlight of his Tottenham career was perhaps lifting the Carling Cup in 2008 after defeating http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 in the final at Wembley. He also led Tottenham to their first ever Champions League spot in the 2009/2010 season.
Speaking to the club’s official website about his retirement, King said:
"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. 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."
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