The REAL Reason why I Retired...

Season 8 #Ep 7
In this clip, Ben speaks on the moment he told Tom on the phone it was time to retire and the real reasons that led to make the huge decision, that after 505 professional games, it was the right time hang up the gloves.
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[@FozcastTheBenFosterPodcast]

Thanks for all the positive comments you legends. It was not an easy decision but I feel it was the right one ❤

[@sandraburgess1965]

Enjoy your second well earned retirement

[@Maradonaldinho]

Congratulations on a great career and becoming a fantastic human. #TopMan

[@danielbrown9368]

Class way to handle this. Of course.

[@YordanStoyanov2004]

Congratulations on your great career. Very glad that it turned out to be worth it to come back into football for that last-minute penalty save against Notts County! It was an amazing last dance and I enjoyed it a lot. Gonna miss the GoPro in the goal series and the Premier League vlogs! Have a wicked retirement YOU FRIGGIN LEGEND!

[@Lootensansy2308]

Shy you never put the ful potcast on KZbin only 15min

[@barontetteh]

Left early before the hero became a villain. Enjoy your retirement CGK you earned it💯

[@keepitreal3301]

💯

[@rbfishcs123]

I think that's what makes Fozzy such a class act, he left before people started to turn on him. *most* professionals nowadays on his wage probably would have just stayed there as long as possible to milk it out, but for the love of the club and his own sanity, he realized that his time was up. Top bloke.

[@Church_Of_Kloppism]

​@rbfishcs123 cmon lad he only ever came out of retirement for clout. Please stop making him out to be a hero, if he waited long enough for them to turn against him he would have lost subscribers and long term revenues lol Retiring because u didn't make some saves during the first few games of the season in a new division is pure bs lol. Any other player would be crucified for giving up that easily lol

[@Jordansmith855]

Don’t be ridiculous, he cost Wrexham vital points with his performances, his ego made him continue for another season. He should never have played another year

[@lukebosley8222]

Great comment. He obviously could’ve gone longer but his hero status at wrexham could’ve been in jeopardy. Cheers to a wonderful career 🍻

[@Windup-merchant]

You got Wrexham promoted that was job done - hard to leave a sport you’ve played for decades ❤

[@arrandar5589]

Helped towards the end of the season. Gotta love Ben tho at least he played a part .

[@CoopDogg90]

Certainly didn’t get them promoted. That’s harsh on the other players who played the majority. Helped no doubt but bit far

[@Windup-merchant]

@@CoopDogg90 he did get them promoted though really because no other keeper would of cheated to save that pen against notts county

[@Bobisalive]

​@@Windup-merchant😂😂😂 But joking aside saying Wrexham wouldn't have been promoted if they drew with notts just isn't true

[@xslyiix-3242]

@@CoopDogg90exactly Paul mullin bagged week in week out

[@MotelsonMars]

Fozzy is comparing himself to his younger self, whereas the fans were comparing his current self to our other current options. I still think he would have found his groove and done well this season, but of course we all respect his decision and will be forever grateful he helped us get over the line last season. We love you Fozzy! Up the town!

[@LOSTshowfan]

Spot on! My thoughts exactly.

[@patrickfaulds5683]

I actually called it at the time. Was watching the highlights of that last 5-5 game before you made the announcement and said to my wife I thought you might be ready to step aside. Just noticed after a couple of the goals went in you just stood up and put your hands on your hips. Didn't yell at defenders or or anything... was like you were just having a moment of realization. Shouldn't feel bad at all mate. Age catches up with us all. Always a legend!

[@FozcastTheBenFosterPodcast]

Cheers mate

[@raymondnunez530]

Fozzy I will tell my children and grandchildren of your last minute penalty save. You are a legend and I respect the hell out of you

[@robertthirtle9630]

Ahhaha what a sad time

[@liamsmith2405]

I'll tell my children of the time i saved a penalty in the under 7's game when i was 29.

[@The_lefthandedgolfer]

Sad day when you realise, but good you admit it. Legend.

[@jenniferwistey7323]

I'm a huge fan, and even greater now. Your honesty is a beautiful example. Thank you!

[@jamiec2981]

As a Liverpool fan, many moons ago I wasn’t a fan of Ben. But what a smashing fella he is. I wish you all the best with your retirement and keep up the brilliant work on this podcast it’s bloody fantastic

[@ThermalWarrior]

What a man! True to himself, true to his family and true to his team mates and fans! Legend, enjoy retirement and I will enjoy the extra upcoming content!

[@FozcastTheBenFosterPodcast]

Thank you

[@ChoiceEnvironments]

Love you, Foster. You are the man. It was so much fun and none of us will ever forget it. Have a wonderful retirement. You deserve it.

[@mrchris389]

It takes a real man to realise when its time to go. You should be proud of what you did at the club and I have no doubt you made a huge impact on that promotion

[@davidlasoff8261]

Spot on for Fozzy's honesty! We all reach a point, mate. You are still the greatest for doing the right thing AND for all the saves you've given us! THANK YOU, BRO!!!!

[@tristanplatts8869]

Ben’s honesty is incredible. The fact he admitted he didn’t think he was the best at United even though that’s his mentality is amazing. To be that honest is rare. I think he’ll end up being the best pundit around (or whatever you want to label what he does)

[@alexleavy08]

Thats always ok Fozzy, you played your part in getting the club promoted and you can always be proud of that. Loving the podcasts and vids

[@jarloes]

Legend Foz! It’s hard being honest with yourself and you’ve done it graciously. All the best with retirement and your podcast.

[@juliewebber5791]

Good luck Ben and thank you for you did for the club. Top man 👏👏

[@Sigma1_969]

You Ben are a very humble person.. I know it hurts so much when the realisation sets in that you just can't give it your all.. don't be embarrassed and don't ever feel bad. Wrexham will never forget what you did for them. Congratulations on your retirement, you can relax now and enjoy life.

[@DeanneFoster-ns8zp]

You done the job you was brought in to do , and Wrexham will be forever grateful for that ! Good luck in your future whatever it holds xxx

[@z59av37w1b]

What a legend. Fozzy I'm such fan of yours and have even more respect for you that you were willing to explain your thought process and be vulnerable. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to play at the highest level for so long and at some point have the humility and grace to know when Father Time has your number. Much respect from across the pond.

[@wonkeydonkeyTV]

What a class act this gentleman is.

[@mediapartners9950]

Massive respect to him for his honesty and good luck to Wrexham this season. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jonathanparry9505]

Thank you for your honesty. Best wishes

[@LOSTshowfan]

You brought a ton of sunshine to Wrexham. I smiled straight through every one of your matchday vlogs and learned a lot from the behind the scenes. Smile again just thinking about them. Your energy and positivity are incredible. Thank you for coming! And that Notts save. You legend!!

[@leeroy8932]

Love you Ben thanks for what you done your a legend and always be a star to me and my boys ❤️

[@dontyouknow1721]

Happy 2nd Retirement Fozzie, totally respect your decision! What a guy! COYR!

[@mikeytremlett7731]

Legend 🤩 Keep being you mate! 🧤🙌🏼

[@stevee8920]

Fozzy, I fully respect your decision and you know your expectations better than anyone. However you saved the penalty against Wimbledon which won us the point, the back3/4 were not performing to their best either which left you vulnerable, which would highlight weaknesses in you that you wouldn’t normally question. However we will never forget you came in for the last 8 games of last season with a job to get us promoted and you did, without you the Notts County game could have been a different story and it would have given them the momentum and possibly meant another season in the National league. That penalty save will go down in Wrexham history, you shouldn’t have made that save, it was a perfectly struck penalty and somehow you got across your goal saved with 1 hand and then the other at 40yrs old that’s incredible, a premier league keeper in their prime would have been proud of that save. You are a legend and the fans will never forget that. You also gave the club the opportunity of getting someone in the transfer window. A True Wrexham player through and through👍🇬🇧

[@thedude6043]

Thank you Fozzy for the fun and excitement! You are entertaining on and off the field. Look forward to the Fozcast and whatever else you try in the future. Pundit maybe? network i meant.

[@timhoward5549]

Brilliant vlog , a Real honest guy , a TRUE PRO !

[@Maradonaldinho]

Proud of you Ben. You've done it, you were a Premiership goalkeeper, and a damn good one at that. Then coming back to help Wrexham was amazing, we all loved to see it. I'm going to be 38 next week... I can understand how travel takes it's toll and I don't have to play 90 mins when it does. No shame in retirement, none at all... you became a professional, you became one of the greats... on pitch and off it. You should never feel regret mate, just pride and honor. You did what many lads can only dream of. Will always be super proud of you Ben, you'll also always go down as a red in my book (even though I know you love them blue and whites :P) Best of luck with everything!

[@tonyhodgkinson7026]

Ben is a legend. What a career and what a person. He would have walked away in hindsight but we all love the wrexham train and who are we to tell him to jump off. Have a great media career mate 👍

[@dmzone64]

The class, the style, the honesty, the balls

[@alanstewart4745]

Fair play to you chap. You could have taken the money for the full season but instead you did the honourable thing and called time. That's what makes you a top bloke!

[@Trancemusiclab]

You have something called honesty, dignity and respect for yourself and the wrexham team. I have nothing but respect for your authenticity mate. Happy retirement

[@timharris6983]

Fair play to you. Everyone reaches a point when they're not good enough. Takes a brave man to tell himself hes not good enough though.

[@charliemarshall746]

Top bloke. well deserved fella, hope you enjoy your retirement ❤

[@haydenjacklin2000]

One of the most underrated gk enjoy your retirement fozzy

[@annafennell1273]

You are so generous! You gave Wrexham promotion, sacrificed your retirement to get them promoted. I hope the Town never forgets that!!! ❤❤❤ Best. Player. Ever in my book!

[@isaacjones5687]

No he didn’t.

[@darudude]

Huge self awareness. Kudos to you

[@Teefee2]

All the best!

[@tommyrobz]

This felt close to home, I’m going through the same albeit only at a local level but it gets to a stage where you can’t keep up any more however much your brain wants to!

[@ZakQprSparks]

Reading all the genuine comments and they’re all true. You were an absolutely great gk for many teams over the decades & I love that you get involved with ChrisMD and co on their videos. You’re a proper solid guy 👏🏼 from QPR 🔵⚪️

[@paulhoulden]

Gutted! My cousin signed for Newport on loan for the season aswell, was hoping he could meet you and potentially score! All the best for retirement again mate 👍🏻👏

[@deckenneth]

I wish more athletes were as good PEOPLE as Fozzy is. A lot they could learn from him. Love yah Fozzy. Thanks for everything!

[@hughbrown1531]

Fozzie you Yster, huge respect. Love ya man

[@cjj9127]

Ben blue nose here you played superb in that league cup final much love for the memories

[@timberwolf534]

It take a real MAN and humble person to say "I have retched my time to quit". I have like this man for many years and was SOOOOOOOO underrated. One of the best i ever watched.

[@robharrison5893]

Thank you so much gave me my best moment in football always love you wrexham legend ❤️

[@marknicholls4133]

Fozzy, You legend, do me a favour when you come down to the Racecourse, pop into the Railway Inn to see us lot. We want to shake your hand 🤝

[@daveprice790]

Fair play to you Foz. Always be a Wxm legend coz of that Pen save against Notts County. Top man!!

[@ikatokiyazaki2343]

happy retirement, wrexham is really starting to pick up wins and up in the standings ! good luck to them!

[@Peppeblackmetal]

Started with an ad? Stopped the video at at 00:02 and closed it. Good job!

[@GuitarFuel]

I knew something was going on once you stopped your video vlogs... Fozz its all good brother ...you will always be our number 1! Let's Goooo

[@owenthornley5495]

Wasn’t allowed to carry them on under the efl rulings now

[@GuitarFuel]

@@owenthornley5495 i see....either way, for some reason that made me feel like there was something going wrong

[@lordomacron3719]

Mr Foster as a Birmingham City fan. You will always be a great keeper in my humble opinion. I would love to see you go into coaching the next generation of keepers. You have experience across to whole spectrum of football. You would make a great coach.

[@MrHollowmanDan]

You'll always be welcome back Fozzy. And we'll always have that penalty save!!!

[@keepitreal3301]

Foz Keeps It Real 👊

[@Joe-sv4wz]

really interesting insight to the experience of aging in sports and losing that subconscious edge and muscle memory

[@PumpkinGamer1503]

Still a legend in my eye. Fun fact for you Ben, you’re the goalkeeper who has made the most saves in the premier league, of all time. :)

[@marknicholls4133]

Thank you legend, enjoy your retirement 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇬🇨🇦🇺🇸🥰

[@PowrAl]

Such an honest take on what must have been one of the hardest decisions in Fozzy's career.

[@sonofanarchy6628]

Thanks for what you did getting wrexham uo, you seem a legend on and off pitch

[@bigboy5428]

You looked like you was havin the best days of your life you looked so happy. Maybe you should go into a coaching role you would be a great coach. Positive and a great calm head.

[@BL-sz7uz]

Takes balls to admit you made mistake, you will always be respected as a great goalkeeper

[@jonathandurbridge4500]

Just remember it's not the end, it's just the start of the next chapter ❤️

[@RadioJonesy]

you have my RESPECT

[@adymo1960]

Top top man 👏👏👏

[@Dan313dude]

Swindon town retired Ben foster you heard it here first. What a club 😍 but fair play Ben you’ve had a banging career 👏🏻

[@smf1384]

does this finally mean you'll do some cycling content again?

[@danielkarmy4893]

Just the natural way of things, but it takes serious humility and courage to be able to see that that's happening, and accept it in yourself! And I might be setting myself up to fail here, but of all the players I can think of who played into their 40s, not one of them was anything other than a class act and a true professional. Not only that, but I can't think of anyone who's had a more successful comeback from retirement either...six months, and one promotion you were a key part of. Proper retirement well earned. 😀

[@bradleypage6798]

You was a vital part to the success and promotion of Wrexham in there promotion to league 2. Cant beat yourself up with whats ifs and coulds. Best to look back at the moments you cherished in your career and be that example to those aspiring to be a pro goalkeeper or player.

[@Kenfrommumbai73]

You’re a legend Fozzie… enjoy retirement..

[@zambatjoyce8998]

You will always be a legend 2 me pal...

[@andywhite2823]

Good man.

[@ChrissyD87]

Thank you Fozzy, Your honesty is amazing to see but hard to swallow for a Wrexham fan but a long-time Foster follower, I am honored to have been there for your last game. #wrexham #upthefozcast #keepsmashingit

[@atkascha]

Ben, I've followed you, and had you on my FIFA teams for near 20 years. Love ya mate. Top class player, and its good to call it quits when the time is right. Nobody wants to be that punch drunk boxer who hung around too long. Another note, League 2 is no joke and hopefully all the fans realize that. Near half the teams in the National League have part-time players. League 2 is 100% professional. There are no easy games as the level between "best team" and "worst team" isn't a sea like it is in the Natty. Looking forward to more podcasts, cycling videos, and all that jazz. Cheers

[@TallyDrake]

Tbh, when Ryan asked Ben to stay with the team for the next season, I cringed a little, and I was hoping Ben would turn him down. I am so glad Ben re-retired before the fans turned on him or the coach benched him.

[@carlhank65]

Enjoy your retirement Ben, im not a Wrexham fan,but a fan of the netflix series,and that final penalty save was immense,

[@erosion271]

In fairness I feel that entire Wrexham side and the management were a little bit naive comig into this season. You have Ollie Palmer like "Definitely promoted. We should win the league" and it did reek of arrogance. But for Foz he was supposed to be retired last season. He's bagged another bonus trophy and now he can rest.

[@georgemullens]

Enjoy your retirement Fozzy!

[@chepachem8351]

Ben is a beauty

[@benandlilyann]

Well ‘saved’ regarding comparing confidence in ability - until you remembered big Edwin 😅 Good luck on retirement. up the fozcast

[@cjrobins9994]

Gonna have to put ben foster the cycling former gk 😂

[@FozcastTheBenFosterPodcast]

😂😂😂😂😂 I always be a GK

[@mattheendpod2659]

Fair play but this was on the cards, the penalty save last season covered up a lot of saveable goals. The only difference is it’s statistically identifiable by xgc now.

[@adambygraves1580]

Ben FairPlay mate great guy and pro!!,

[@WrexhamRed]

Seriously Ben - thank you will go down in history for last season and will always be a legend here. I blame Soccer aid as you came back looking like Leon Edwards 😅

[@Bobbibouchersmumwasright]

Proper fella.

[@Bobbibouchersmumwasright]

Good luck Ben you are the kind of player us supporters actually have no problem making multi millionaires to watch… that is not a dig on any level I hope it makes sense! 😂💙🙌🏼

[@Tony-xn7sd]

My Dad finally retired from playing Sunday league footy when he was 54, I'm 58 now and my legs are fucked, no idea how he did it, you had a great career Fozzie, enjoy your retirement you old fart ;) x

[@scouse_till_i_die]

Hahahah is right Tony

[@phillipsstanley]

Makes you wonder how really good Van de Sar were. Because didn’t he play longer than Fozzie

[@stevewilson6390]

I wish managers had your mentality and could be honest about letting the team down. Oldham Athletic supporter here, David Unsworth and his X Everton garage sale rejects are letting our team down week in week out, we the supporters dont want them .

[@scotchy67]

Premier league legend foz. And even better podcasts enjoy retirement legend

[@Qwertyrfvgy]

Sadly for me as a Wimbledon I feel like Ben had one of his better games of the season even saved a pen 😅 NGL was chucking it for 90 mins but still love Ben and all his content.

[@bear1245]

I think your making a big deal about it. Still better than most GKs. Bound to get a tonking one day

[@dannymurphy1779]

Well I guess if you hadn't retired it would have been time in the reserves. Saw the 5-5 game and couldn't believe my eyes tbh. Respect for saving your manager a very unpleasant job.

[@johnmcgee8023]

Go back and watch his 2 center backs in the game against Swindon! They were so bad I think they broke him :-)

[@ryan1111111555555555]

I honestly think he was just rusty from the party in off season, I think a few more training sessions it would've come back

[@willhopewell]

I think a lot of people would have tried to carry on and not been brave enough to admit it. Will make a top coach somewhere at any level. Get back on the bike and enjoy life

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Ageing its tough mate.

[@Woozy.1]

It’s such a shame to hear the reality of a gk legend getting literally too old. Ofc a playing career cant last forever but it’s still a sad reality. Especially for me- I never once got to watch Ben play live in the flesh. He was and will always be my footballing hero. My family are a family of goal keepers, when I was younger I used to mimic the little side steps Ben would make before a near post in swinger. Or his iconic full stretches low drilled shot stopping. You know the ones…coming off the line at an angle to close the gap. The man is a gangly fucker. Very long limbed 😂 However, I think personally, you called it a bit too soon. I think Ben would of found good form- Ben is looking at his younger self as a comparison. The Wrexham team was comparing the current Ben to the other keeping options. Says a lot about the skill/talent Ben clearly still posses.

[@Pr3stag3]

Hmmm you wouldn't happen to be sponsored by wrexham lager would you Ben? Product placement?

[@FozcastTheBenFosterPodcast]

No we’re not. Just supporting a brand close to the club .