Ryan Reynolds releases statement after Wrexham star claims he was forced out of the club after their promotion to the Championship

Ryan Reynolds has issued a statement after one of Wrexham's star players confirmed he is to leave the North Wales club against his wishes.

The Red Dragons co-owner and business partner Rob McElhenney have steered the club from the National League to the Championship in three seasons under the management of Phil Parkinson, making them the first team in English football to do so.

Thanks to the investment and input of the Hollywood duo as they've moved up the divisions, Wrexham have been able to attract and reward players that would normally have been considered out of reach.

Whether it's calling Paul Mullin to tempt him into the National League or taking advantage of their ability to turn Arthur Okonkwo's loan into a permanent transfer from Premier League giants Arsenal, Wrexham have simply had better access to high-level players than the teams around them.

Former Premier League striker and Scotland international Steven Fletcher was one of those players and repaid Wrexham's ambition with 15 goals in 71 appearances in League Two and League One.

But by the time the Red Dragons announced via their retained list that Fletcher had been released, the 38-year-old had already told fans that he was leaving the club and it wasn't by choice.

"I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game! To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible," he posted on Instagram.

"It's not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys, fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.

"You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again.

"And to Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds – thank you! For the opportunity, the support, the joy that being part of this club has brought me!"

Steven Fletcher celebrates promotion from League Two with Wrexham team-mate Elliot Lee (Image: Getty)

Canadian megastar Reynolds reciprocated the brotherly love after Fletcher's departure was confirmed.

Also on Instagram, the co-owner said: "Words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town.

"You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. I don’t really know what a co-chairmen (sic) is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.

"I’ll miss your your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone – including me – that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always."

Eight first-team players will leave Wrexham at the end of their contracts, leaving Parkinson and the club's owners with a number of gaps to fill with Championship quality when the transfer window opens.