Brad Friedel signs new Tottenham contract at the age of 43

Brad Friedel of Tottenham Hotspur smiles during a pre season friendly match between Colchester United and Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have signed veteran American goalkeeper Brad Friedel to a new one-year deal at the club.

Friedel joined Spurs from Aston Villa in 2011 and has gone on to make 67 appearances for the club. After a year as first choice keeper under Harry Redknapp, the 43-year-old found himself replaced by France’s World Cup goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Friedel has seemingly been happy to play back-up to the French international, playing frequently in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions but infrequently in the league. Friedel made only one league appearance for Spurs last season.

Part of the deal will also see Friedel represent Spurs as an ambassador in the United States, for whom he made 82 appearances before retiring from international football in 2005. His new contract will take him past his 44th birthday.

A statement on Spurs’s official site read: “Brad Friedel has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract with the club, which will also see him become a club ambassador with a particular focus on our work in his native United States.

“Our goalkeeper’s ambassadorial role will have a wide-ranging remit that will include greater involvement in our global coaching programme and engaging with our 30 supporters clubs from across North America as we continue to increase our global presence and bring our international fanbase closer to the club.”

The American has had a long and productive career in English football, with former clubs including Newcastle United, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa.

Friedel is already the oldest player in Premier League history. Playing during his new deal would surely make his record almost utterly insurmountable.

Goalkeeper @friedel_b has signed a new one-year deal, which will also see him become a Club Ambassador focusing on our work in the US.

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 9, 2014