Brad Friedel has disputed claims by his former USA team-mate Tim Howard over claims in the Everton's goalkeeper's upcoming autobiography. In The Keeper, Howard says that Friedel attempted to 'sabotage' his move to Manchester United in 2003 by refusing to endorse his work permit.
However, Friedel strongly denies that he failed to support his international colleague. "It's complete garbage," he told ESPN FC. "To be honest with you, all we're looking for is an apology. We can't get the book reprinted. I'm not looking for monetary gain, I just want an apology.
"The letter was full of exaggerations that the people on the PFA [Professional Footballers Association] and appeals committee would have seen through.
"It said that I had been in direct competition with Tim Howard for the starting job on the U.S. national team for the last two years, when anyone who follows soccer knew it was between Kasey [Keller] and I.
"Yes, I refused to sign that. We got the letter and said 'We have to change this, because this isn't true. We made our changes and sent it back. They didn't like what I was going to sign so they didn't use it. And that was the end of the matter."
Friedel said he has no wish to take the matter to court, and hopes his differences with Howard can be settled with goodwill.
