‘Welcome to Wrexham’ star Ben Foster retires from football!
Ryan Reynolds' 'Welcome to Wrexham' star Ben Foster has retired from football after just five games of the current EFL league season.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper initially stepped out of retirement when Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney called for his services to help Wrexham get out of the National League.
The ex-England goalkeeper made 12 appearances for 'The Dragons,' coming up with crucial saves to help Wrexham return to the Football League for the first time in 15 years.
According to @VancityReynolds on X, Ryan Reynolds said: "He built memories I'll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben."
The decision comes after Foster conceded five goals in a 5-5 blockbuster against Swindon Town. Telling manager Phil Parkinson, it was time to leave the game.
According to wrexhamafc.co.uk, Foster said: "The honest truth is that my performances this season haven't reached the level I demand of myself, and I feel that now is the right time to retire."
"Making the decision now gives the club every opportunity to assess their options before the window closes. Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart."
The Disney hit show 'Welcome to Wrexham' has helped the former goalkeeper grow his online personality exponentially, having over 600,000 followers on Instagram alone.
Before his substantial growth in Hollywood, Ben Foster enjoyed a career at England's elite level, playing in the Premier League for Manchester United, Birmingham City, Watford, and West Brom.
Foster played eight games for England and was selected for the 2014 World Cup squad, where he played one game in the final group match against Costa Rica.
However, since arriving for the new season, Foster has struggled to recapture his elite goalkeeping abilities, conceding 13 goals in the league.
Poor defending and giving the ball away in dangerous areas have also been contributing factors to the 13 goals conceded, meaning Foster isn't the sole person to blame.
Despite the poor run of form in goal for Wrexham, manager Phil Parkinson expressed gratitude for what he had done for the club.
According to wrexhamafc.co.uk, Parkinson said: "I am sure I speak for everyone when thanking him for his contribution that went far and beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season."
Foster will now step away from the game again, having previously finished in September 2022, leaving Watford and rejecting a contract from Newcastle United.
The former England keeper can now focus on his growing social media career, having two YouTube accounts with over 1.5 million subscribers combined.