Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has quit the club with immediate effect following his performance in the 5-5 draw against Swindon on the weekend.
In fairness, the guy is 40 years old and came out of previous retirement to join Wrexham in the first place, but it’s still pretty incredible that he’s retiring just 2 days after letting in 5 goals in a game (for the second time this season). In fact, Foster has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of his four outings in League Two.
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“I feel like there’s been four of five goals this season already that I probably should be saving – goals are going in, and I’m thinking ‘you should have saved that, how haven’t you saved that?’
I think that why I’m retiring, I just can’t do what I used to do, but that’s the way it goes! Age comes for us all; there’s no shame in admitting that. But I do want to say a massive thank you to everyone!”
Have to admire the self-awareness it takes to admit that he’s not at the level he used to be, and to step down in hopes it will aid the team in the long run. Very un-footballer-like!
Especially when you consider Ben Foster was key in Wrexham being promoted to League Two in the first place:
After announcing his retirement from football, why not relive THAT penalty save from Ben Foster to help Wrexham to promotion to the Football League 🧤🤯
One of the most iconic and crucial saves of his career? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/v9XeBmyOCO
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 21, 2023
Again, have to respect the guy. To play at that level at 40 years old is pretty impressive, even if you do end up retiring shortly after because you can’t stop leaking goals every game.
I don’t know if it actually helps Wrexham to lose their starting keeper so early in the season (I’m guessing their #2 isn’t great), but I’m sure it’s something the club discussed at length with him and he’s convinced it’s the right move for Wrexham and for him too. Fair play to Ben Foster – absolute legend of the game.
For the time Wrexham destroyed the US Women’s team 12-0, click HERE.
