Source: Daily_Mail
Campbell taught me Sol I know, says Spurs hero Ledley King
Ledley King says former Tottenham idol Sol Campbell gave him the belief to be the player he is today.
Spurs fans have never forgiven Campbell for joining Arsenal on a free transfer in 2001, but King said the former White Hart Lane skipper was good role model.
The 28-year-old said: 'Obviously Sol Campbell was in my position, an East End kid like me so it made me think I could achieve that as well.
On the throne: King has followed in the footsteps of Campbell (below)
'I think the thing I learned from Campbell was that he came through a similar path as I did. So that gave me the belief that I could do the same.'
But it wasn't just Campbell who impressed King when he made his first-team debut against Liverpool in May 1999.
Tottenham stars such as David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Tim Sherwood also inspired the young centre-half, while defenders like Chris Perry and John Scales helped him develop his game.
King told premierleague.com: 'There were some great talents. I remember watching Jurgen Klinsmann when I was a youth team player, watching him train.
'David Ginola was there when I came through - all these guys were top, top players.
'When I finally broke through, playing and training with players like Ginola, Ferdinand and Sherwood, players I've watched over the years, they inspired me.
'You pick up things just from watching. I took things from different players. It's what you are willing to take in.'
But King has some way to go to emulate Campbell's haul of two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup in a successful career with Tottenham, Arsenal and Portsmouth.
'More than any one game, (the important thing) is to win things,' said King. 'When we won the Carling Cup against Chelsea it was a great day for me and the club. There have been individual games I've enjoyed but to win that day was the most memorable.'
Ledley King was appearing at an official coaching and signing session for Barclays. Barclays is title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League which is watched by a global audience of 4.77 billion throughout the season in more than 200 countries.
