Ben Foster praised for giving 'brutally honest' explanation behind decision to retire, fair play

Ben Foster says he had to be "brutally honest with himself" before making the decision to retire from professional football.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who made over 550 senior appearances at club level, has decided to hang up his gloves after spells at Manchester United, Birmingham, West Brom, Watford and more recently Wrexham.

He made 12 appearances for the North Wales-based club and played a key role in their promotion to League Two, memorably saving a 97th minute penalty against Notts County in April.

But after conceding five goals in their 5-5 draw with Swindon Town, Foster spoke to manager Phil Parkinson after Saturday’s game and informed him of his intention to retire for good.

Taking to Instagram on Monday morning, the experienced shot-stopper shared the news, and has since been praised for making a tough, but selfless decision. You can watch that video below:

Foster began: "I think the timing is right. Sometimes you've just got to be brutally honest with yourself and just admit that you can't really do what you used to do. It's a shame, but I think being 40 years old. it's kind of expected as well.

"I feel like there's probably been about four or five goals already this season that I should be saving. It's weird because goals are going in and I'm thinking, 'You should have saved that. How haven't you saved that?'

"That's the reason why I'm retiring. I just know I can't do what I used to do. Like I say, it's a shame but that's the way it goes. It comes to us all. There's no shame in admitting that."

He added: "I do want to say a massive thank you to every single one of you fans, every one of my teammates, the owners, the coaching staff, the manager. It's been an absolute pleasure. It's been an honour.

"We'll always have that 96th minute Notts County penalty save that will live long in my memory. It's genuinely one of my top three moments in football."

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

In a statement on Wrexham's official website, Foster made some further comments after deciding to retire.

“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," he said.

“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.”

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said Foster has been a model professional since his arrival at The Racecourse Ground.

“It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this Football Club, with the timing of his decision," he added.

“I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season.

“Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the Club.”