by Ryan Reynolds says it’s “worrying” how “hooked” he is on football after watching his side Wrexham AFC beat Notts County.
The Hollywood actor said the drama from the match was “unlike anything you’ve ever seen in a damn movie” and he wasn’t quite sure how to quantify what he had seen.
Wrexham struck a potentially decisive blow in their Vanarama National League title race with a 3-2 victory over their rivals on Monday after former England goalkeeper Ben Foster saved an stoppage time penalty.
Footage of the match showed Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney, with whom he owns the club, partying wildly after the save.
Speaking to BT Sport afterwards, the Deadpool star praised the “inner strength” of players on both sides.
“I feel like I don’t have a heart anymore. I think I used all the beats I had left during that match,” she said.
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and indicative, of course, of all you lifers who have watched and played this game, this beautiful twisting game, forever.”
He continued: “I’m really grateful right now that I didn’t care about this years ago because it would have eaten me alive.
“I’m very busy. It’s concerning how hooked I am. Usually I’m not at a loss for words, but I’m really at a loss for words right now. I’m not sure how to quantify what just happened.
Reynolds, who along with McElhenney received their freedom from the precinct in a civic ceremony on Monday, said he felt an “immense sense of pride” in his team, which “lived up to the occasion in every way.”
He also paid tribute to Notts County and their late Chief Executive Officer Jason Turner, who died suddenly on March 30 at the age of 50.
“I’m the real story here,” the actor said.
“What they’ve done this season, obviously losing their CEO Jason Turner, who, as I’ve come and learned,[was]absolutely loved, not just in Notts, but here as well.
“I have tremendous respect for everything they’ve built into everything they’ve done.
“What they (both clubs) have done is not just create a drama unlike anything you’ve ever seen in a damn movie, but just something that I think people will talk about for ages.”
Reynolds added, “I’m used to working under extreme pressure, but I usually have a say; I have some control over it.
“I have nothing here. All I can do is watch and hope like everyone else.
“It has been a pressure cooker going into this, I think, for both of these teams. What they both achieved is historic on every level and, you know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.
Reynolds later joked that star of the match Foster would be on the “injured reserve list” for upcoming games.
“I’m about to break ribs, I’m going to hug him so tight,” she said.
Reynolds and McElhenney have been widely praised for their investment and involvement in the club since finalizing a deal to acquire it two years ago.
The couple raised the profile of the club and city of Wrexham through the documentary Welcome To Wrexham, and have been honored by the Welsh Government for helping to promote Welsh language and culture.
