FORMER Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has announced his retirement from football.
The 40-year-old shot stopper initially retired last September after leaving Watford as a free agent.
However, he returned to the pitch in March to sign a short-term deal with Wrexham.
Foster went on to help the Red Dragons achieve promotion back to the Football League for the first time in 15 years.
And he subsequently penned a new one-year contract after returning from the club's epic promotion party in Las Vegas.
But just two games into the 2023-24 League Two campaign, he has decided to hang up his boots for good.
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In an official statement on the Wrexham Website, Foster 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."
Hollywood superstar and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds paid tribute to the goalkeeper on social media.
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He tweeted: "He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben."
Some fans called for Foster to retire after he conceded five goals against Swindon Town on Saturday.
One eagle-eyed supporter even suggested that he was unable to save any shots directed towards the bottom corner.
Swindon held the advantage for the majority of Saturday's game, but Wrexham battled from 5-3 down to make the score 5-5 with just a few minutes to play.
Before signing for the Red Dragons, Foster spent four years with Watford.
During his time at Vicarage Road, he started a YouTube channel called 'Ben Foster – The Cycling GK' where he uploads in-game footage from his perspective as a goalkeeper.
He also made appearances for West Brom and Birmingham throughout his playing career.
Foster sent five years with Manchester United in the early stages of his career.
He made 23 senior appearances for the Red Devils.
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