Tottenham captain Ledley King finally announced his retirement yesterday after battling chronic knee problems for several years.

King, who was regarded as one of the most naturally gifted English defenders of his generation, has been unable to completely recover from a series of knee injuries that ravaged his career and stopped him fulfilling his vast potential.

The problems made it impossible for the centre-back to train regularly and drastically reduced the number of games he was able to play each season.

The 31-year-old admitted the decision to quit was tough but, after spending his entire career at the club, he could not consider playing on elsewhere.

“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,” said King, who will remain involved with Tottenham as a club ambassador.

“Sadly my injuries and inability to train have now finally brought an end to my career.”

London-born King came through the youth ranks at Spurs before stepping up to the first team in 1998.

He made 268 appearances for Tottenham but his only major silverware came in 2008 with victory over Chelsea in the League Cup final.

King also won 21 caps for England, making his debut against Italy in 2002 and appearing at Euro 2004 and the 2010 World Cup.