Nigerian Super Eagles' goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has announced his
retirement from football following his 12-month battle with Acute Leukamia.
The 32-year-old who has been with Wolverhampton Wanderers
for his entire career 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.
His retirement was confirmed by Wolves executive chairman Jeff
Shi on the Club's website.
“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.”
Wolves managing director Laurie Dalrymple said: “While this
news will undoubtedly leave the Wolves family feeling sadness for someone they
care about deeply, it also gives us the opportunity to celebrate an exceptional
career and a true servant of this football club.
“A brilliant goalkeeper who deservedly earned promotions and
international caps, Carl’s exemplary application on the pitch was matched off
it by tireless hard work and a positive attitude that will continue to be an
inspiration for young players coming through our Academy for many years to
come.
“I have been in touch with Carl regularly during a very
difficult year for him and his family, and I have been constantly in awe of his
strength, positivity and heart at a time of great adversity.
“Carl will, without doubt, be a permanent member of the
Wolves family, and I am certain he has a very bright future ahead of him in whatever
path he chooses to take.”
Wolves sporting director Kevin Thelwell said: “I have had
the honor and privilege to work alongside Carl for the duration of my time at
Wolves, and you would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated and hardworking
professional.
“The outpouring of support and love from our supporters this
time last year, and throughout Carl’s treatment has been testament to how we
all feel about Carl, and we are delighted that he is now in complete remission.
“However, it is definitely his contribution on the pitch
that he will be most remembered for at Wolves, and forever held as inspiration
to future generations of our Academy.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more of Carl this season, and
seeing him back at Molineux where he belongs.”
Ikeme who was supposed to be Super Eagles number 1 at the
Russia 2018 World Cup was diagnosed with acute leukemia during a blood test
following his return to his club Wolverhampton Wanderers for pre-season training
last summer.
In June, Ikeme announced on Twitter that he was in complete
remission from the disease after ‘a tough year and intense chemotherapy’.
