One of the best defenders despite knee issues
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ph.FAB/Shutterstock.com
Ledley King is one of the greatest central defenders in English history; he did this despite suffering from knee injuries his entire career. In his debut for the Tottenham Spurs, he would receive a tackle that would start his knee problems. Ledley played with no cartilage/meniscus in his left knee for a while. These injuries would prevent Ledley from practicing and playing as much as he wanted. In spite of all this, he would become the captain of the Spurs and helped them win the EFL Cup and their best-ever finish in the Premier League at the time.
Quotes
It was probably most frustrating for the first year or so but it could have all been over after that first game so I came to accept how things were.
Ledley King
There's no cure,...There's no cartilage, nothing to operate on. It's just bone on bone. So it's just a question of managing it.
Harry Redknapp
References
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Ledley King's knee problems started in Tottenham debut
Recently retired Tottenham defender Ledley King has revealed that he suffered the knee injury that troubled him throughout his career during his senior debut.
Goal
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Ledley King of Tottenham Hotspur: Nearly the Greatest Defender of His Generation
He was the club captain at White Hart Lane and was Spurs’ most dependable player when he was fit, which sadly wasn’t often enough.
Bleacher Report
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Ledley King set to quit Tottenham – four years after doctor told him to
King's doctor describes him as "superhuman" and a player that has "defied science". He has no cartilage in his left knee and there is no logic to how he has played for many years.
The Guardian
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Capello awards King shock call-up
King's chronic knee problem usually prevents him playing more than one game in a week and also limits his training.
BBC
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Spurs hope King can swing balance against United
Once the laughing subsided, however, he said Spurs were well equipped to stifle United's big guns — so long as the pain that permanently afflicts Ledley King's knee is tolerable.
The Guardian
