Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme Announces His Retirement From Football

Nigeria and Wolves goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football following a year-long battle with acute leukaemia.

Carl Ikeme for Super Eagles

 

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from the professional football, after he confirmed the news to his Wolves teammates before a training session at Compton on Tuesday morning.

 

According to the Premier League club, the 32-year-old came to the decision after consultation with medical experts following his 12-month battle with acute leukaemia.

  

 

Ikeme after making the announcement to his teammates

 

The 32-year-old's decision comes following a discussion with medical experts after 18 years at the club.

'I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body,' he told the club's official website.

'He thinks it's what is best for me and I can't really risk trying to come back, my health is the priority.

'I want to be here for my children, family and friends. In the grand scheme of things with my life in danger, it's the minimum price I have to pay to spend the rest of my time with my family.

'It's not really set in since speaking to the doctor. In time I can have a good look back, it's been incredible for me personally to have been at Wolves from 14 to 31 – playing for just one club is something I'm proud of.

'It's nice to have been a one club man because it's rare these days. I'm proud that I can always come back to Wolverhampton and always have friends here, and be loved, it's incredible.'

After the announcement Ikeme tweeted, he said: 'Thank you for the support over the years . My last day as a footballer. But one I am happy and great full for !!! (sic) Thanks to everyone to do with @wolves and everyone in football I have met.'

 

Wolves executive chairman, Jeff Shi said: “Having been at the club since the age of 14, Carl is far more than just a player in our eyes - he is our brother and an important part of our family.

“When Carl came to tell us his news, yes there was sadness, but also great happiness to see him so healthy and hungry for the opportunities that lay ahead of him.

“Carl is strong, a fighter, something he has proven in his playing career and also during what has been a very challenging time for him, so I have no doubt he will be a success in whatever he does next.

“We wish Carl all the very best for the future, but remind him he will always remain a part of the Wolves family.”

 

Ikeme made 274 domestic career appearances in all competitions, with over 200 of them coming for Wolves, the club he joined in 2000 as a 14-year-old. 

 

The stopper went on to win two promotions, and ten international caps for Nigeria, who honoured him at this summer’s World Cup by naming him as their 24th squad member.