After 23 years, American goalkeeper Brad Friedel is finally calling it a career.
The Tottenham ‘keeper, who turns 44 on Sunday, announced on Wednesday that he’ll retire after the end of the English Premier League season on May 24.
“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career,” Friedel said in a statement on Tottenham’s website. “When I first started the journey I never imagined it would be this long, playing 23 season in total and representing some incredible clubs.”
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Friedel won 82 career caps for the United States, appearing at three World Cups and starting for the US during their run to the quarterfinals of the 2002 tournament. He announced his retirement from international soccer in 2005.
Friedel, who holds the Premier League record for consecutive starts with 310, will become an analyst for Fox Sports and Tottenham’s club ambassador in the US. He’s also working on completing his coaching license, a process he began during his time at Tottenham.
An Ohio native, Friedel began his pro career in 1992. He joined Major League Soccer for its inaugural season in 1996, playing two years with his home state Columbus Crew SC and earning 1997 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors before moving to EPL giants Liverpool later that year.
He lasted three years at Anfield, eventually transferring to fellow EPL club Blackburn Rovers in 2000. He made nearly 300 appearances for Blackburn before moving to Aston Villa in 2008, starting for three seasons there before moving to Tottenham ahead of the 2011 season.
