Tottenham have announced on their official website that goalkeeper Brad Friedel will retire at the end of the season.
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The 43-year-old has been with Spurs since 2011, making 67 appearances for the North London club in his time there. However, the majority of these came in his first two seasons at White Hart Lane. He hasn’t played at all during the current campaign, and only nine times last time out.
Before he signed for Tottenham the stopper had spells with Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, and Liverpool. He is perhaps best known for his time with Rovers, where he played 357 times in a relatively successful time for the club between 2000 and 2008. The American was also a great servant for his country, earning 82 international caps.
The keeper is also one of the one of only five goalies to have ever scored in the Premier League, with his goal coming in a 3-2 loss to Charlton Athletic while playing for Blackburn in 2004. He also holds the record for the most consecutive top flight starts, with an amazing 310 between 2004 and 2012.
Friedel has now signed on as a club ambassador focusing on the USA, and is also completing his coaching badges.
He said: “I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career. 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. I’ve got some wonderful opportunities in front of me working for Fox TV and I’m completing my pro licence.
He continued: “I’ve also signed on as a Club Ambassador for Spurs focusing on the USA. I’ve got a great relationship with the staff and Board, so I’ll certainly do my bit to help the club go further. 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.”