Ledley King has begun the pathway to becoming a professional football coach.

Constant knee injuries forced the 36-year-old Tottenham Hotspur legend to retire prematurely in 2012 and after initial reluctance to becoming a coach, King is now undertaking his UEFA B license.

Having played under a number of managers during his Spurs career, King has identified the qualities of one in particular that he would be happy to operate like.

“I came into the game and had George Graham who was a tough disciplinarian type of manager," King told the Daily Express.

“Then there was Glenn Hoddle who was a terrific player and I enjoyed my time under him in terms of the way we played football.

“But communication with your players is key – and I've not always had that throughout my career. You have to find the right mixture. On one hand, when things are there to be said and you have to be tough, then be tough.

“But there's no reason why the next day you cannot come in and put an arm around somebody. Like Mauricio Pochettino does. That's the sort of coach I would like to be one day.

“Coaching is something that intrigues me. Until I really give it a proper go I will not be able to rest or walk away from the game."