08 September 2023 , 17:05
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Ben Foster has opened up on the moment that he realised he had to hang up his gloves following a tough start to the season with Wrexham.
The former England star's retirement from the game came as a surprise, especially as it come just four games into the new season. However, after conceding 13 goals within the first month of the League Two campaign, the 40-year-old called time on his career.
Now, the ex-Manchester United man has explained the reasoning behind his shock decision to walk away from football so early on in the EFL campaign. Speaking on his YouTube channel Fozcast, the eight-time international pinpointed one instance where he felt his time was up at the top level.
The veteran stopper conceded five strikes during the North Wales outfit's thrilling 5-5 draw versus Swindon Town. Seemingly referring to a strike from opposition player Dan Kemp, the ex-Wrexham goalkeeper was left particularly disappointed with his inability to save the shot.
He explained to his co-host: "The game against Swindon - the guy got it out of his feet and took a shot from about 22 yards, he bent it round into the corner. As he got the ball out of his feet, normally I know that he's putting it in my corner, to my right hand side. I know it. I can read it like a book."
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The former Premier League stalwart acknowledged that his usual quick reaction time evaded him in that instance, which immediately left him questioning his ability. He continued: "But I couldn't even read it like a book. Honestly, it's mad, mate. I can't explain it to you.
"I didn't have that nous, it had gone a bit. I couldn't read the fact that, I knew he was putting it in the corner, but I didn't get the little steps in to make sure I knew that I could save it."
Ben Foster announced his retirement from professional football after Wrexham's 5-5 draw with Swindon Town (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)"I just did it, I wouldn't even have to think about doing it before. Honestly, I wouldn't. I'd just do it. I'd take the little steps to know that I've covered it off, so that even if he puts it on the post and in, I'd still be able to save it. I know I'd be able to save it."
Foster had played a major role in helping Wrexham to achieve promotion back to the EFL after a 15 year absence after coming out of retirement last term. After signing in March, he played eight times and pulled off a last-minute penalty save in a 3-2 win versus Notts County to effectively his team the title.
Despite signing a one-year deal to play for Wrexham in League Two, his mixed form at the start of the campaign prompted his decision over retiring for good. After the former Watford stopper walked away from the game, Wrexham brought in Arsenal's Arthur Okonkwo on loan to fill the void.