Friedel hangs up international gloves

Blackburn Rovers’ United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel has announced his retirement from international football.

The 33-year-old, who has won 82 caps for the US since making his debut in 1992, last appeared for his country in the 1-0 friendly victory away to Poland in March last year.

Friedel revealed he has quit the international scene so he can focus his energies on playing for Blackburn in the Barclays Premiership.

“After a great deal of thought, consideration and discussion, I have decided that now is the right time to bring to a close my time representing the US,” said Friedel.

“I have loved every minute of it, but feel now is the right time to end my international career.

“The English Premier League is incredibly demanding and over the remaining years of my professional career, I want to give myself the best possible chance to continue to play at the highest level for my club,” he added.

Friedel was a member of the US squad at the last three World Cups.

The US are playing a World Cup qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain on Wednesday.