Daniel Levy has announced that Ledley King will stay on at Tottenham in an ambassadorial capacity, with the defender retiring from professional football today after losing an ongoing battle with injury.

King would have been an integral part of the Spurs squad, had it not been for continual setbacks over problems with his knee.

And today, the one club man, who is Tottenham's longest serving footballer, revealed that he would quit football for good as doctors struggle to find a remedy for his injuries.

But after all of his contributions to Tottenham both on and off the pitch, Levy says he still has a lot to offer the club post-retirement.

"Ledley has made a magnificent contribution to this Club - as a wonderful player, Captain and ambassador," Levy told the Tottenham 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.

Ledley King
Ledley King is planning on staying at Tottenham for an off-the-pitch role.

"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 was a big part of Tottenham's push to be considered a Champions League worthy squad, and on achieving that, and setting themselves up as a top four contender, the 31 year old said he couldn't be prouder than to have spent his entire career at White Hart Lane.

"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 explained.

"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."