Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel will retire at the end of the season, the club have announced.
The 43-year-old will bring the curtain down on a career which has spanned three decades and included spells with Liverpool, Blackburn and Aston Villa.
He joined Tottenham in 2011, but has been back-up to Hugo Lloris since the Frenchman’s arrival the following year.
Friedel said on the Tottenham website: “I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career. When I first started the journey I never imagined it would be this long, playing 23 seasons in total and representing some incredible clubs.”
Inter determined to sign Toure
Inter president Erick Thohir has said the club are determined to sign Yaya Toure from Manchester City.
The Ivory Coast midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Inter would appear a logical destination given they are coached by former City boss Roberto Mancini, who brought Toure to the Premier League from Barcelona in 2010.
Asked about the chances of signing the Ivorian, Thohir said in an interview with Indonesian newspaper Tempo: “Chances? I do not know. What is clear is we will continue to try to bring him here.”
Unlucky Shaw thanks supportive Van Gaal
Luke Shaw is grateful for the backing he has received from Louis van Gaal during a “hard” first season at Manchester United.
The United boss recently expressed his faith in the player, saying: “I believe in Luke Shaw.”
And the England defender is happy to hear he has the support of his manager.
“I was really happy when I saw the manager had said that about me,” Shaw told United’s website.
“Just to know he’s got trust in me is something special and I couldn’t ask for any more.”
Nathan joins Chelsea
Chelsea have signed Brazilian midfielder Nathan from Atletico Paranaense for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old will move to Stamford Bridge on July 1.
Nathan bolsters the ranks of Brazilians at Chelsea, joining Ramires, Willian, Oscar and Filipe Luis. The Blues also have young Brazilians Wallace and Lucas Piazon out on loan.
Nathan said: “I am very happy to be joining Chelsea, the champions of England, and I hope I will be able to learn a lot and develop my game.”
The Brazilian’s full name is Nathan Allan de Souza. He has impressed while representing Brazil at under-17 and under-20 level and scored five goals in five games at the Under-17 World Cup in 2013.
Evra sends Suarez final warning
Patrice Evra has warned Luis Suarez he will make sure the Uruguayan “feels his presence” when the pair go head to head in the Champions League final.
The pair controversially clashed when Premier League opponents, then-Liverpool forward Suarez snubbing Evra during the pre-match handshakes at Old Trafford in 2012 as they met for the first time since Suarez was banned for eight matches for racially abusing the Frenchman.
On the prospect of going up against Suarez again in Berlin, Evra told reporters: “A lot of people ask me this question. It does not matter. The most important thing is I play the final, you know.
“I am proud to be what I am, I am proud about my colour and I will shake his hand, it is no problem, but I will make sure he feels my presence on the pitch.”
Abramovich loan tops £1 billion
Chelsea owner Roman Abra-movich’s loan to the club’s parent company Fordstam has surpassed £1 billion, accounts show.
The loan to Fordstam from the Russian oligarch, who purchased the Blues in July 2003, has reached £1.041 billion, up from £984 million the previous year.
Accounts for Fordstam, the company through which Abramovich owns Chelsea, for the year ending June 30, 2014 show the interest-free loan is repayable on 18 months’ notice, but also suggest the Russian billionaire is fully committed to the club.
Everton’s Baines has ankle surgery
Everton left-back Leighton Baines has had ankle surgery and will be out of action until pre-season, ruling him out of England’s European Championship qualifier against Slovenia next month.
“We had Leighton’s ankle checked. He has had surgery. It was straightforward. He will be out until the start of pre-season,” Everton boss Roberto Martinez said at a news conference yesterday.
“We have found the solution. His time out will now allow him to be refreshed.”
Baines, who started in England’s 4-0 win over Lithuania in March, was injured during Everton’s defeat by Sunderland last weekend.