Spurs Israel with Ledley King

Summary

In this special English episode of the Space Israel podcast, hosts Rafael David, Boaz Goldschmidt, and special guest, Tottenham legend Ledley King, share an unforgettable conversation. King discusses his first visit to Israel, his memorable moments with Tottenham, including his debut, scoring records, and winning the Carling Cup. He also reflects on the challenges posed by injuries, his thoughts on success in football, and his admiration for teammates and opponents alike, highlighting Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. King's post-retirement roles, potential coaching aspirations, and the importance of club legends returning to nurture young talent are also explored. The episode culminates in King's thoughts on Tottenham's current team and the impact of Antonio Conte, leaving fans inspired and looking forward to the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The podcast 'Space Israel' is presented in English for this episode, featuring Rafael David, Boss Goldschmidt, and special guest, Tottenham legend Ledley King.
• 🙌 Ledley King expresses his excitement for being in Israel for the first time and looks forward to performing for the fans there.
• 📺 King reflects on his debut against Liverpool in 1999 and discusses the nervousness and excitement of playing his first game for Tottenham.
• 💪 Discussing his career highlights, King identifies winning the Carling Cup as his most memorable moment, emphasizing the pride and joy of being part of Tottenham's history.
• 💻 King explores the concept of success in football, suggesting that personal achievement and team success are both valuable and subjective.
• 😷 King shares his struggles with injuries, particularly his knee issue that significantly affected his training and performance, highlighting the challenges athletes face in maintaining their fitness and form.
• 🔥 Among his teammates, King highlights Gareth Bale and Luka Modrić as the most exceptional players he played alongside, noting their contributions to Tottenham and their success in their careers.
• 👍 Faced against formidable opponents like Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, King regards Ronaldo as the toughest competitor he played against, acknowledging his extraordinary career achievements.
• 📸 The episode touches on Tottenham's recent performances, with King expressing optimism about the current team's strength and potential under Antonio Conte's leadership.
• 👨‍💻 King discusses his brief coaching experience under José Mourinho, sharing insights into the learning opportunities and challenges of transitioning from player to coach.
• 🏆 Reflecting on Tottenham's journey to the Champions League final, King describes it as an unparalleled experience, filled with dramatic matches and a testament to the team's spirit and resilience.

Q & A

Why was the podcast episode conducted in English instead of Hebrew?

The podcast episode was conducted in English to accommodate the special guest, Ledley King, a Tottenham legend, who was visiting Israel for the first time.

What was Ledley King's reaction to visiting Israel?

Ledley King expressed gratitude for being in Israel, describing it as a beautiful place he had always wanted to visit. He highlighted the opportunity to perform in front of fans in Israel as a great experience.

How did Ledley King start his career at Tottenham?

Ledley King started his career at Tottenham through the academy and made his debut in 1999 against Liverpool in Enfield.

What was a memorable moment for Ledley King in his playing career at Tottenham?

A memorable moment for Ledley King in his playing career at Tottenham was winning the Carling Cup, which he described as his favorite game looking back.

How did injuries affect Ledley King's career?

Injuries significantly impacted Ledley King's career, particularly a knee injury that stopped him from training regularly at the age of 26, limiting his potential to become one of the best in his position globally.

Who were the best players Ledley King played with at Tottenham?

Ledley King mentioned playing with greats like Teddy Sheringham, David Ginola, and Les Ferdinand early in his career. However, he identified Luka Modric and Gareth Bale as the players who reached the highest level during his time.

Who is the best player Ledley King has played against?

Ledley King initially mentioned Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho but concluded that Cristiano Ronaldo would be the best player he played against, considering Ronaldo's achievements and impact on football.

What was Ledley King's best moment as a Tottenham fan after retirement?

Ledley King's best moment as a Tottenham fan after retirement was reaching the Champions League final, especially the journey through the tournament and the incredible semi-final match against Ajax.

How does Ledley King view the current Tottenham team?

Ledley King views the current Tottenham team as one of the strongest he has seen, highlighting the successful signings in the summer and the increased competition for places within the squad.

Does Ledley King have any plans to pursue coaching in the future?

Ledley King expressed interest in coaching, mentioning his experience working with José Mourinho's coaching staff and his intention to do his coaching badges before deciding if coaching is the path he wants to pursue.