Citing a desire to sign a contract extension with Blackburn, U.S. goalkeeper Brad Freidel announced his retirement from international football yesterday. Friedel, who collected 24 clean sheets over the course of 82 international caps, played in 3 World Cups, including 2002’s run to the quarter-finals, the U.S’s best showing since 1930.
In addition to Blackburn, Friedel has played for Liverpool, Galatasary, Brondby and uh, the Columbus Crew.
Poor Keller. Blocked by an unworthy Meola for long enough to have Friedel establish himself only to see Friedel retire at a time when Howard is likely to move into the top spot.
I hate the idea that an English squad would push a non-UK player to retire from international competition. I don’t see Michael Owen giving up his spot.
Owen’s a lot younger than Friedel, Ugarte. And we constantly read about English manages tearing their hair out over losing players to international commitments, especially if said fixtures are considered frivilous (ie. anything other than England or a Euro powerhouse). Which lends the question why said players were signed in the first place. Either way, Brad knows where his bread is buttered