Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel to retire

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel is to retire from professional football at the end of the current season.

Friedel has spent 17 years in England, joining Tottenham from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011, and ahead of his 44th birthday he has decided to call it a day.

During his time in England, Friedel spent time with Liverpool, Blackburn and Aston Villa before moving to north London. However, he lost his position as the club’s number one following Hugo Lloris’ arrival in 2012.

“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career,” Friedel told Tottenham’s official website. “When I first started the journey I never imagined it would be this long, playing 23 seasons in total and representing some incredible clubs.

“One thing I will miss is that day-to-day interaction with the staff and players. There really is nothing like it but my 44th birthday is here so I think it is a good time to call it a day.”

Friedel made 310 consecutive starts in the Premier League, reaching the 300 mark against QPR in April 2012, while he was capped 82 times by the USA, including three World Cup finals.

Paying tribute to Tottenham, Friedel added: “I’ve had a tremendous time here and met a lot of great people along the way. This is a wonderful football club and I feel honoured to have been a part of it for four years.

“The manager is great, while there is incredible talent in the changing room, both young and old and with time I see great things ahead.”

Credit: Michelle/Setanta Sport