Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds reacts to Ben Foster's retirement decision

Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to Ben Foster after he announced his retirement from football.

Foster signed for Wrexham on a short-term contract back in March following a goalkeeping crisis, having previously turned down an offer from Newcastle to come out of retirement.

He had a spell on loan at the Welsh outfit when he was a youngster and became an instant hit with fans, making eight appearances and helping the club secure promotion back to the Football League for the first time since 2008.

Foster saved a 96th minute penalty in a thrilling 3-2 win over title rivals Notts County in April and was convinced by Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to stay on for another season.

However, the 40-year-old has decided he can no longer perform at his best and announced he was hanging up his gloves for good on Monday morning.

He conceded 13 goals in four games in League Two this season, including five in a 5-5 draw with Swindon Town on Saturday.

In response, Hollywood star Reynolds took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write: "He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben."

He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben. https://t.co/8h6mAVeuqu

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 21, 2023

Reynolds and Foster formed a special friendship, with the former giving him the gloves from Deadpool in exchange for his matchworn shirt.

Foster spoke with manager Phil Parkinson after shipping five goals on Saturday and decided it was time to call it a day.

Speaking to the club's official website, he 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.

“At the forefront of my mind when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the Club, and 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 club still have goalkeepers Mark Howard and Rob Lainton on their books but now have until 1 September to bring in a replacement.