Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King has decided to call time on his career, which has spanned 17 years at White Hart Lane.

The 31-year-old was rumoured to be considering whether to hang up his boots following a difficult career marred by injuries in recent years.

While the centre-back has announced that he will no longer play the game, he will remain at the North London club as an ambassador.

"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," Ledley told the club'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."

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy added: "Ledley has made a magnificent contribution to this club - as a wonderful player, captain and ambassador. 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.

"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 gained 21 international caps with England during his career.