QPR Boss Harry Redknapp Tried To Tempt Ledley King Out Of Retirement

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King reveals QPR offer.

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Former Tottenham captain Ledley King has revealed that Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp offered him the option of coming out of retirement to join his side, according to BT Sport.

The former defender was forced to retire early due to persistent knee problems, and felt a return to playing with QPR would not be the best move for him, having spent his entire career with Spurs.

Redknapp, also formerly of Tottenham, was desperate to sign a defender last season with his side facing relegation from the Premier League, and felt King could be a good option as he would have been available on a free transfer.

However, the 32-year-old is glad he didn’t accept the offer, and is interested in focusing on a career in coaching, citing other former Spurs players as good examples for their fine work with the club’s youth team.

“I believe (Redknapp) tried to (get me to come out of retirement), but he didn’t manage to get hold of me,” King said.

“I wouldn’t have done it though. I played at Tottenham my whole life and it would have been a bit silly to try and come back knowing I can’t do what I want, play the way I like to play. I have barely kicked a ball since I retired.

“And I also have got such a great affiliation with Tottenham, so I would like to leave it there.”

Asked about coaching, the former England international added: “Yeah, that is a definite possibility.

“Last season I did a little bit and this season I will try and push on with it a little bit more.

“I have seen the likes of Tim Sherwood and Les Ferdinand working wonders at the club with the Under-21s and it intrigues me. I am around good people to learn from.”

King made 321 appearances for Tottenham after coming through the club’s youth academy, and managed 21 caps for the England national team.

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