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The former Tottenham captain has called it a day after 14 years at the club due to a knee injury, while pre-season fixtures roll on for the majority of other players

Tottenham defender Ledley King announced his retirement from football on Thursday after battling with a knee injury for several years, with team-mates past and present as well as former opponents quick to hail the former Spurs skipper.

Elsewhere the pre-season slog continues for most other players in all manner of exotic destinations, and Dundee...

“Ledley King is retired what a sad news!he will always be a spurs legend and amazing defender! #KING”

Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong is one of several current members of the Spurs squad to praise the former captain.

 

“Gutted the #KING has had to retire, the best defender I've ever played with or against, will be missed greatly!!! Legend #retiretheshirt26”

Aaron Lennon also admits his sadness at seeing King have to step down from his playing career and calls for the No. 26 shirt at White Hart Lane, worn by King throughout his career, to be retired in his honour.

 

“Sad to hear The King has had to retire, amazing player,who made the game look very easy to play! Will be missed on and off the pitch”

Tom Huddlestone shouldn't miss King too much off the pitch, with the 31-year-old set to take on an ambassadorial role at the club.

 

“Ledley King retiring... Absolute pleasure to work with and the best defender I have ever worked with! #Salute”

Former Spurs winger Wayne Routledge has high praise indeed for King, putting him above even Tony Popovic as the best defender he has played with.

 

 “Sorry to see Ledley King retiring from football, top player. Hope he passes on some of his football skills/knowledge to the next generation”

What would WOTT be without Rio Ferdinand? The Manchester united man clambers aboard the bandwagon to hail King.

 

“A privilege to play in front of 53.000 in Durban, SA on Mandelas birthday. Never forget what he fought for. See ya in Cape Town tomorrow”

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard pays tribute to Nelson Mandela after representing the Red Devils on the former President's birthday in South Africa.

 

“First preseason game against Sion tonight. Should be a good test after some tough days in the alps.”

Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen looks forward to playing some football after a gruelling set of sessions in the Swiss Alps.

 

“Good morning. On my way to another session. It is still a lot of work to do but I am very happy with my progress .”

Liverpool midfielder, Lucas Leiva updates Reds fans, and the rest of the world, on his injury status, while manager Brendan Rodgers claims the Brazilian could feature in the side's pre-season tour of America.

 

“Looking forward to commentating on game tonight with @DGriffiths65. Send me some messages during game!'”

Preparing for life after his playing days, Everton's John Heitinga dons the microphone and woolly coat as he takes to commentating on the Toffees' pre-season clash with Dundee United.