Brad Friedel: Tottenham Hotspur confirm veteran goalkeeper to retire this summer

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel will retire from professional football at the end of the 2014/15 season.

The former United States international, 43, is currently the oldest player in the Premier League but has yet to make an appearance in any competition so far this term with both Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm firmly ahead of him in manager Mauricio Pochettino's established pecking order.

Former Galatasaray and Columbus Crew stopper Friedel, who set a new record for the most consecutive starts in the top-flight in 2012 with 310, played for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa over a 14-year period before moving to White Hart Lane on a free transfer four years ago.

"The Club can announce that goalkeeping legend @friedel_b will retire from the game at the end of the season," Tottenham announced via their official Twitter account on 14 May.

With his long playing career finally drawing to a close, Friedel looks set to make the most of his extensive experience as an analyst for American broadcaster Fox in addition to continuing his role as an ambassador for Tottenham in his home nation.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I've achieved in my career," he said after his retirement plans were made public. "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.

"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."

While supporters will inevitably be keen to ensure Friedel receives a fitting send-off, it seems unlikely that he be afforded the opportunity to add to his 67 first-team appearances for Tottenham before hanging up his gloves for the final time.

Mauricio Pochettino's side, who were soundly beaten 3-0 away to Stoke last time out in what was Lloris' third game back in the starting lineup following a month out with a knee problem, are at home to Hull on 16 May and travel to Everton on the final day of the season.

Tottenham are expected to make a number of important changes to their playing squad this summer in the hope of challenging more effectively for a Champions League berth moving forward.