Ledley 'a rock' - Younes

Younes Kaboul can't wait to pay tribute to the man he describes as 'a rock'.

The French centre-half will line-up as part of the first team squad for Ledley King’s Testimonial against Ledley’s Guest XI at the Lane on Monday week, May 12.

Younes played alongside Ledley in two spells at the club – in 2007-08 before his switch to Portsmouth and from his return in 2010, until Ledley retired in 2012.

“When I came to Spurs seven years ago and met him I was delighted to work with him,” said Younes. “Now he’s having his Testimonial and we’re all looking forward to it, thanking him for everything he’s done for the club.

“Ledley was simply a rock. The fact is beyond being a very good footballer, what a man he is as well, very simple, very quiet, just a nice guy.

“When he was playing, it was like he was only at 40 per cent of his capacity because it was so easy for him. He was so calm. I really enjoyed playing with him.”

Younes can relate in some way to what Ledley had to go with as he battled against a chronic knee injury later in his career.

The French international has also had his injury troubles in the last 18 months, but has now started nine of our last 10 matches.

“I’ve been through it, like Ledley,” he added. “For him to retire at such a young age must have been gutting for him, he wanted to do more, for sure, but when your body tells you to stop, you have to respect that.”

For more fantastic preview coverage of Ledley's Testimonial - including Younes' interview in full on video - go to our dedicated Testimonial microsite - King of the Lane...