Tottenham defender, Ledley King

AP

Tottenham defender, Ledley King has retired from soccer at the age of 31 due to a chronic left knee injury that has troubled him throughout his career, reports The Associated Press.

''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,'' King said on Thursday. ''Sadly my injuries and inability to train have now finally brought an end to my career.''

King won the League Cup with Tottenham in 2008 and represented England 21 times, including appearances at the 2004 European championship and the 2010 World Cup.

King spent his entire career at Tottenham after joining Spurs as a youth player when he was 14, and will now serve as a club ambassador.