King announces retirement
London, England (Sports Network) - Tottenham captain Ledley King announced his retirement from football on Thursday at the age of 31.
King accumulated 266 English Premier League appearances in addition to his 21 caps for England, but chronic knee injuries have limited his chances for first-team football in recent years.
The defender, who has never played for another club during his career, will stay with Spurs in an ambassadorial role.
"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," King told Tottenham's 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."
