In the first three home matches of their League 2 season, Wrexham have conceded a whopping 12 goals. What’s made things worse is that many of these goals could’ve been avoided had there been a better Goalkeeping performance. 40-year-old Red Dragons goalkeeper Ben Foster acknowledged this fact and hence has stunningly taken a decision to retire mid-season.
Foster’s decision is really commendable since he took it for the greater good. He seemingly didn’t want to be a burden for the Welsh soccer team anymore and hence decided to hang up his boots. However, fans have had a mixed reaction to this decision. While one half is commending his decision, the other half is poking fun at his failure. Nonetheless, this shock retirement has been a polarising affair so far.
Wrexham goalkeeper evokes polarising reaction after shock retirement
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Ben Foster is no stranger to retirement. However when he came back from his retirement this year citing the excitement from Wrexham’s ambition, many expected him to be with the Red Dragons for a full season at least. Moreover, he had hinted the same after a stellar pre-season as well. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned and that’s life.
Hence Foster’s shocking announcement took many by storm. Despite suffering from the shock, the majority of fans’ first instinct was to commend him for his brave decision and thank him for his important saves.
STATEMENT | Ben Foster announces retirement from professional football
All the very best, @BenFoster – thank you very much for your contributions in both spells with the Football Club, and congratulations on an incredible career 🧤
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) August 21, 2023
Thank you, Ben, you served us well. ⚪️🔴
— Nαɳα Kɯαɱҽ (@NanaKwame_off) August 21, 2023
Thanks for that save Ben. A Wrexham legend no doubt 👏🏻
— Jack (@JackCD97) August 21, 2023
Thanks for that save Ben. A Wrexham legend no doubt 👏🏻
— Jack (@JackCD97) August 21, 2023
But there were rival fans as well who didn’t shy away from poking fun at the veteran.
Ahahhahahahahhahah he couldn’t hack league two
— Notts County Zone (@NottsCountyZone) August 21, 2023
Does this have something to do with it? pic.twitter.com/DRbTIdLILS
— Kieran George (@KeepinItKieran) August 21, 2023
Between all the love and hate, there was also a fan who was concerned about his future. Hence he chipped in with suggestions on how he can take his career forward.
He was bad but at least give it till January. Maybe the YouTube career is the way forward for him now https://t.co/xl42EtHuoH
— Henry💭 (@Henry_Htph14) August 21, 2023
All said and done, this was truly an out-of-the-blue decision. Hence even Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds couldn’t hold back his emotions after this shocker of an announcement.
Ryan Reynolds pays a touching tribute to Ben Foster
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Moments after Ben Foster announced his decision to retire from professional soccer; Ryan Reynolds instantly took to social media to share his respect. The ‘Deadpool’ star thanked the former Manchester United player for the incredible memories he has gifted in his short stay with the Red Dragons. The Wrexham co-owner termed these memories as timeless. “He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben,” tweeted Reynolds.
As sad as it is to see Foster retire, this was only a matter of time keeping his recent performances in his mind. He himself cited this as the reason for his retirement. “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,” said Foster.
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Wishing Ben all the very best for the future. Wishing him nothing but success!