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The White Hart Lane goalkeeper concedes that he will call it a day if he cannot continue at the highest level and says a move to the MLS is unlikely given his age

By Alex Labidou

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has admitted that he will retire at the end of the season if he feels he cannot play in the Premier League any longer.

The American, who has enjoyed a 15-year career in the English top-flight since joining Liverpool from Columbus Crew in 1997, also insisted that he is unlikely to return to his homeland and play in the MLS due to his age, even if options are limited elsewhere.

"How much more do I got? Let's get through this [season] first," the 41-year-old told "I have a year left on my contract and at my age, it really does go year to year.


"We'll see how things progress and at that point, I'll make a decision on my future. If I couldn't do it anymore at the highest level, then I wouldn't want to play. I wouldn't sign a contract.

"It's getting harder and harder to consider [MLS] because of my age. I've been really fortunate to have these opportunities in the Premier League with big clubs. It's always superseded any negotiations that I've started with MLS.

"I think MLS is a great place compared to what it was and it's a tremendous asset to the country. It's going to keep on getting bigger and bigger but being a part of it as a player, time's against it. Let's put it that way."

Friedel also reserved praise for Everton shot-stopper Tim Howard, believing the current USA first-choice will be a vital part in young American keepers' careers, as the 41-year-old was to Howard when he was a youngster.

"Timmy now is a really experienced goalkeeper with a tremendous career that is still in its peak at the age of 33," Friedel explained. "He'll be an invaluable part of these goalkeepers' development when they do get called into camps with them.

"He's a really good guy and I know Timmy will pass on a lot of what he's learned over the years. These guys hopefully will have an open mind and listen to it."


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