'Gifted' Ledley King forced to call it a day

Ledley King, the Tottenham club captain, was widely hailed on Thursday as one the best English players of his generation following confirmation that he is retiring due to persistent knee injuries.

King, who is just 31, had been unable to even train for much of the past five years but somehow adapted his game to remain one of the Premier League's leading defenders.

The last two years, however, have brought his problems into sharper focus and, in making only 15 appearances last season, he was showing increasing signs that he was struggling with the pace of the game.

King, though, still played 313 times for Tottenham after joining the club as a 14 year-old and was also capped by England on 21 occasions.

"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," he said.

"Sadly my injuries and inability to train have finally brought an end to my career. I have always enjoyed being part of the set-up here."

Many of his team-mates, colleagues and opponents paid tribute. "A truly wonderful player and credit to his sport," said Gary Lineker, the former Tottenham striker.

Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, said that King was "one of the most gifted players in the history of the club". Tom Huddlestone, King's team-mate, added: "Amazing player who made the game look very easy to play."

King, who led Tottenham to victory in 2008 League Cup final, will now continue in an ambassadorial role at White Hart Lane and the club will hold a testimonial match in his honour at the end of the season.