Sebastien Frey

Sébastien Frey (born March 18, 1980 in Thonon-les-Bains) is a France Association football goalkeeper currently playing for Italian Serie A club ACF Fiorentina. He is noted for his reflexes.

Career

Frey began his career with French side Cannes in 1997, at the age of seventeen. Following two promising seasons, he moved to Italian side F.C. Internazionale Milano, and transferred after two years to Parma F.C in the summer of 2001, with whom he won the Serie A 2001-02 Coppa Italia.

Frey joined Fiorentina on loan for the 2005-06 campaign, and signed a permanent deal with the club at the end of the year following a glittering season where he formed the backbone of the team along with Cristian Brocchi, Stefano Fiore, and Luca Toni.

On December 13, 2007, Frey suffered a meniscus injury during training, and underwent knee surgery the next day. He returned for Fiorentina's 2-1 victory over Parma F.C on January 13, 2008, after having been sidelined for one month. Frey's outstanding play this past season earned him a contract extension. He will remain with the Florence-based side until 2013.

International career

Frey received his first call-up for France national football team for a match against Poland national football team in November 2004, but did not make an appearance. He earned his first cap in France's final Euro 2008 qualifier against Ukraine national football team on November 21, 2007. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after he erred on Andriy Shevchenko's equalizing goal. He was a member of France's EURO 2008 squad. On August 20,2008 Frey officialy announced his retirement from international football.

Personal

Frey's grandfather, André Frey, was a French international footballer, and his father, Raymond, was also a professional goalkeeper. His younger brother Nicholas Frey is a defensive midfielder currently playing for Serie A team A.C. Chievo Verona.