Loris Karius is going to start for Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, but it could have been Ben Foster had things gone differently.
Newcastle tried to sign Foster back in September after Karl Darlow picked up an injury in training. However, the former England international turned down the move and decided to retire.
That led to the Magpies bringing in Karius on a short-term deal, who was also a free agent at the time. He has since extended his contract until the end of the season, and is now preparing to make his Toon debut at Wembley.
Karius is going to replace Nick Pope in the Carabao Cup final, with the 30-year-old suspended after receiving a red card in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
It is an incredible turn of events, and a huge opportunity for Karius – one that could have gone to Foster if he had made a different decision back in September.
However, he does not regret turning down Newcastle last year.
Ben Foster happy he is’t playing for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final
The 39-year-old spoke to TalkSPORT on Wednesday 22/2/22), and was asked if he regrets saying no to Newcastle now he knows he would have played in a cup final.
“No chance! No way on this earth,” Foster said.
“Just to put a bit of context behind that, earlier in the season I could have signed for Newcastle when Karl Darlow got a little injury. I was very close to doing it, I ummed and ahhed quite a bit but eventually decided that I’d hung up my gloves and boots and done it for a reason. I was happy with that reason.
“I saw Nick Pope getting sent off at the weekend, and even that I felt so sorry for him it was horrible. It’s kind of that natural goalkeeping instinct. I know he’s missed his header, but as soon as the ball touches his hands he can’t help himself to bring it in to a nice warm space and give it some love and that’s what he did. I felt so bad for him, but I didn’t realise he’s going to miss the cup final.
“But no, no regrets from my side. I’m quite happy doing what I’m doing. I think I’d be too stiff anyway. I’d hate to be wheeled out on national TV looking like an old man, no way.”
Ben Foster would command less headlines than Loris Karius
Interestingly, there would be less drama surrounding Newcastle’s goalkeeper situation if they were going to have to play 39-year-old Foster instead of 29-year-old Karius.
But the German stopper’s reputation precedes him, with people immediately turning to the 2018 Champions League final when they think about him.
That night in Kyiv has followed Karius around ever since, and now he has the chance to achieve redemption. If he does, he will automatically become a Newcastle legend.
As for Foster, he is happy to watch on as an ex-pro. His venture into the media has gone brilliantly for him, and he has no regrets about rejecting Newcastle’s offer back in September.
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