Former Premier League star who snubbed Barca scores 1st goal in SEVEN years with stunning free-kick vs ex-England keeper

JOHN BOSTOCK thought he would become Notts County’s hero after scoring his first goal in SEVEN years against Wrexham.

Former Crystal Palace and Tottenham star Bostock stepped up to take a free-kick towards the end of the first half between the two National League title contenders.

John Bostock scored a stunning free-kick

It was his first goal in seven years

The 31-year-old then wrapped a beautiful goal into the top corner past the fully-stretched arms of former England and Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster.

And you would have never guessed it was his first goal since September 2016.

Unfortunately for Bostock and Co, Wrexham fought back to lead 3-2 and set up a blockbuster finale not even Hollywood’s own Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could predict.

County had the chance to score a late equaliser after being awarded a penalty in injury time.

But Foster was able to deny the visitors and send the Welsh outfit to the top of the National League as they chase the single automatic promotion spot to the Football League.

The Magpies are Bostock’s 15th club.

Though he could have had a wildly different career had he not turned down a TEN-YEAR contract offer from Spanish giants Barcelona.

Speaking to the BBC in 2020, Bostock revealed: “When I was 14, Barcelona offered me a ten-year contract.

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“Ronaldinho was my favourite player at the time so they sent me a signed poster from him.

“I’ve still got it at my house in London. It said: ‘To John from Ronaldinho’.

“You name the club, I had interest from them. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter [Milan], Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool – the who’s who of European football.”

However, the south London-born midfielder has instead been on a journeyman career.

He has played in England, France, Belgium, North America and Turkey before winding up at the oldest club in the world last December.