Why Jon Lester decided to come to Red Sox camp

Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester tips his cap as he gets an ovation as he leaves the game in the 8th inning of Game One of the World Series at Fenway Park. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)A decade after failed contract negotiations pushed Jon Lester out of the Red Sox’ door, he returned to his roots this week.

The three-time World Series-winning pitcher joined his former team in Fort Myers, Fla. on Thursday to serve as guest instructor. After playing 16 seasons in the majors, Lester retired in 2022, but admitted that he was glad to be back on the field.

“I think ultimately when you’re done playing, you still want to be part of something, so it was nice to get a phone call, text, saying, ‘Hey, we…