Source: Daily_Mail
WORLD CUP 2010: Ledley King determined to shrug off chronic knee problem
Ledley King says there will come a point during the next few weeks when his little boy wonders why his dad can play for England in a World Cup but can't join him for a kickabout in the garden. [LNB]'It is difficult,' says King. 'To be a dad and say you can't play. Coby is six this month and he kind of understands there's a problem with my knees. He hears enough about it! [LNB]'But he loves football and there are plenty of times when he tries to get me out in the garden or in the park. It can be tough.' [LNB] Knees up: Ledley King trains hard on Sunday despite his chronic knee problems[LNB]King's knees are a mess due to a chronic condition that has limited him to 20 caps when he should have 80. It is a condition so bad that he has not only come close to retirement, but has also been warned continuing to play could seriously impact on his later life. [LNB] 'I wasn't listening when the doctor said it though,' he joked on Sunday. [LNB]Courageous as well as classy, King considers it a fair price to pay. [LNB]The opportunity to play in a World Cup is something so few players have and he is not going to worry about what might happen in the future. [LNB]Especially when his country needs him so much in the wake of Rio Ferdinand's injury. [LNB]'You are a long time retired, so you might as well do everything you can now,' he says. [LNB]'That's the way I look at it. A career is short and I'm trying to get as much out of it as I can. I just try to deal with my knees the best I can. It's not really got any worse, which is nice to know. If anything, it's a bit better since the last operation three years ago. [LNB]VIDEO: Ledley on his injuries...'But it's all worth it. To be here is something that I'll never forget, to be involved in the World Cup 23 is something I'll look back on. I missed out in 2006 because I broke a metatarsal. I'm trying to play as many games as I can and then I'll see where I go.' [LNB]He lives with pain every day. 'It's part of my body, something I have to deal with,' he says. 'Every time I get up and walk, there are restrictions. Squatting can be uncomfortable. I can't stretch my knee up to stretch my groin. I can't grab hold of my knee in that way. So there are definitely restrictions with it.' [LNB] The rock: King is confident he can partner John Terry in the absence of injured Rio Ferdinand at the World Cup[LNB]It restricts how often he can train. If he plays in Monday's training game against the Platinum Stars - there was a feeling Fabio Capello might not risk him - he would only be able to join his colleagues for one training session between now and Saturday's match with the USA. [LNB]'It's something I'll speak to the manager about, to see which day he feels is important for his preparations for the team, and I'll try to be out there for that day.' [LNB]Being the modest chap he is, he felt 'awkward' when he first joined Capello's squad, his concern being that the limitations his problem imposes on him would cause a surprise. [LNB]'I think it was hard for him and me,' he says. 'I felt awkward at first but I couldn't have asked for more. He's been brilliant. It's just a different situation. I've not been involved with England these past few years and they've not seen how I work in the week. It's been a bit of a shock to the players and maybe the staff, but the manager has been brilliant. [LNB]'He's told me to do what I would normally do. There are times when you're tempted to try to do a bit too much but I have to try to make sure I'm available and ready for the games. It's flattering that the manager has shown great faith in me. He's been first class.' [LNB]Back in the fold: King celebrated his return to international football with a comeback goal against Mexico[LNB]King draws inspiration from another centre half who suffered badly with his knees. [LNB]'I read Paul McGrath's book,' he says. 'He struggled with the kind of problems I had and yet still managed to perform at a high level. He was mentioned a lot to me, which was why I got the book in the first place. [LNB]'I picked up things on how his mind worked and what to look out for. There are times when you do doubt yourself because you're not training and you don't have the same sharpness. At any one time that can show up, but you have to stay strong in your head and believe you can still perform.' [LNB]He has to believe he can quickly form a partnership with John Terry. It is three years since they last played together - a European Championship qualifier in Estonia - and his absence from training will add to the pressure. [LNB]King, however, knows Terry well, having played for the same youth team. [LNB]'That side of things doesn't worry me,' says the Spurs captain. 'John's a top-class defender, as are the rest of the back four. [LNB]'I wouldn't see a problem slipping in if I was called upon. But John and I played for Senrab together. [LNB]He was a midfielder and he used to shout at us even then. Even though he was only small, he still had great leadership qualities. I seem to recall he was the captain and he was courageous, throwing himself about, doing things that us young lads hadn't really seen before. We were 12 or 13 at the time. [LNB] Stand by me: Having played together at youth and international level, Terry and King are a proven partnership[LNB]'I've watched John for years so I know his game. Communication is key for defenders and he's a big talker and I'll talk too. I'm sure we'll be fine.' [LNB]He and Terry prefer to play on the left of the central two but that does not worry King. [LNB]'It's something we'll discuss but I'll probably play on the right,' he says. [LNB]'But I can guarantee that I'll give 100 per cent and that I'm ready to play. I feel I can perform at the highest level.' [LNB]His son will no doubt take note.[LNB] Click here to sign up for Sportsmail's daily World Cup emailLedley King insists he can work well with John Terry in England's defenceMore than just a bunch of cowboys: Meet South Africa's Platinum Stars'Flying' Barry is grounded by Capello: Fabio won't risk fit-again ace for USA openerEngland v USA ref Carlos Eugenio Simon had six-week 'corruption' banWe're just all over the place with these balls, says USA keeper Howard [LNB]
