Ledley King does not believe it is time to hang up his boots just yet after being praised by Harry Redknapp for his ability to play without training.
Redknapp pays tribute to defender
Ledley King does not believe it is time to hang up his boots just yet after being praised by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp for his ability to play without training.
The 31-year-old's training regime is severely restricted by a chronic knee problem that has been an issue for much of his career, while he also had to contend with a groin injury last season.
Redknapp admitted before the start of this term that a decision over King's future would have to be made if he could not get more games under his belt, but so far he has been able to feature regularly.
Reports suggest King will be offered a new deal if he racks up 20 appearances for Spurs this season, with the tally currently standing at nine.
King has been a key figure in Tottenham's superb start to the campaign and has no intention of retiring in the next 12 months.
"I can play next season," he said in the
Daily Mail.
"Every player knows that their body will tell them when it's time to pack it in.
"Mine isn't, at the moment. There are a lot of games left in me."
Redknapp remains astonished by King's natural fitness, which allows him to play in matches without training at the same intensity as the rest of the squad during the week.
"Friday morning will be the first time I see Ledley. He won't train at all," Redknapp said in the
Daily Star.
Amazing
"The medical staff will nurse his knee to get him back in shape ready to play for the next week. It's amazing how he can do that.
"It just shows you how good he is. He would have been one of the best centre-halves in the world if he hadn't had these injuries for so many years.
"He's an amazing player. He can't do too much. I don't know if he can even swim.
"He just takes it easy all week and we then hopefully wheel him out again the next Saturday."
Another positive for Redknapp this season has been the form of Younes Kaboul, who has proved to be a solid partner for King in the heart of defence.
Redknapp added: "The first two matches of the season, Younes had a disaster, but since then he's just got better and better."
