Friedel to retire this summer

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel will retire at the end of the season, the club have announced.

The 43-year-old will bring the curtain down on a career which has spanned three decades and included spells with Liverpool, Blackburn and Aston Villa.

He joined Tottenham in 2011, but has been back-up to Hugo Lloris since the Frenchman’s arrival the following year.

Friedel said on the Tottenham website: 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.”

Friedel, who won 82 caps for the United States, will return to America become an analyst, pundit and co-commentator for Fox Sports and will also be Tottenham’s club ambassador there.

He added: “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.

“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.”

Friedel holds the record for consecutive starts in the Barclays Premier League at 310, set across his time at Blackburn, Villa and Spurs.

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