Football News: Ben Foster, footballer, turned YouTuber, announces retirement

Using his YouTube channel, The Cycling GK, the goalie broke the news that he was retiring.

After his contract with Watford expired, the 39-year-old was a free agent going into the summer. While the Hornets were relegated last season, the veteran goalkeeper was a bright spot for the club.

When Newcastle was left short on goalkeeper alternatives after Martin Dubravka's loan move to Manchester United and Karl Darlow's injury, Foster revealed that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was willing to match his significant wage demands to lure him to St. James's Park.

The former West Brom goalkeeper considered relocating to Tyneside but ultimately decided against it. Newcastle United later bought Lorius Karius in a free transfer.

"I've got an announcement to make, it's a big one. The time has finally come for me to announce my retirement," Foster said. "I know for a fact if I'd have gone there I'd have had an amazing time, the lads would have been absolutely brilliant and I'd have buzzed off the stadium, the fans, all that kind of stuff, but the overriding sinking feeling was 'I don't want to do this.'"

Because his contract had expired and Watford had been relegated to the Championship, Foster, then 39, left the club in the summer.

In the summer, Foster was offered a position with Atlanta United, but he declined. He also had talks with Nice about becoming Kasper Schmeichel's backup but ultimately decided against taking the job.

It's believed that Foster is satisfied with his decision; however, he hasn't closed the door on continuing his career in MLS entirely.

During his four years at Vicarage Road, he made 125 league appearances, with two loan stints already there more than a decade earlier.

Foster moved to Manchester United in 2005 from Stoke City. He made 23 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions amidst a loan move at Watford and finally moving to Birmingham City in 2010.

After one season with Birmingham, he moved to West Brom on loan in 2011 and then permanently the following year. Foster's 2018 return to Watford was his second stint with the club.

Foster, a local product who started with Racing Club Warwick, has called it quits after 536 professional appearances.

Foster also made eight appearances for England between 2007 and 2014, including the final game of the group stage at the 2014 World Cup.

He's a three-time League Cup champion, having done it twice with Manchester United and Birmingham. He intends to take full use of his newfound fame.

At 38 years and 329 days, Foster made history in February when, against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League, he managed to keep a clean sheet.

The 39-year-old works in the media but has not made any public announcements.

Foster also hosts the podcast "Fozcast" and has over 1.1 million subscribers to his YouTube channel "The Cycling GK," where he posts cycling videos and matchday vlogs.