Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel has announced he will retire at the end of the season at the age of 44.

The American gloveman has not appeared in the Premier League for Spurs this term after signing a one-year contract extension last summer.

Friedel said via Spurs' Twitter feed: "I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career. When I first started the journey I never imagined it'd be this long.

"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 had a tremendous time here and met a lot of great people along the way.

"This is a wonderful football club and I feel honoured to have been a part of it for four years.

"The manager is great, there is incredible talent in the changing room, both young & old & with time I see great things ahead."

Friedel moved to White Hart Lane from Aston Villa in 2011 and has made 50 Premier League appearances for the club but has fallen behind Hugo Lloris in the pecking order in the last two seasons.

The former Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Galatasaray stopper would become the oldest player to appear in the Premier League should he feature in either of Spurs' final two league fixtures.

His most recent appearance for Spurs came in the Europa League draw in Benfica last March.