Super Eagles Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme Announces Retirement From Football After Long Battle With Leukemia

Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.

Ikeme confirmed his premature retirement from professional football in a tweet on Friday.

Thank you for the support over the years . My last day as a footballer. But one I am happy and great full for !!! Thanks to everyone to do with @wolves and everyone in football I have met. https://t.co/WM1s5A0czm

— Carl Ikeme (@Carl_Ikeme) July 27, 2018

Ikeme who plays for the English club side, Wolverhampton Wanderers has been battling with acute Leukemia after he was diagnosed in July 2017.

The Nigerian International’s decision to retire has come after consulting medical experts, Ikeme told his team-mates on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old joined the West Midlands club – who won the Championship last season to earn promotion to the Premier League – as a 14-year-old and was a regular when Wolves won League One in 2014.

Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi reflected on Ikeme’s time with the club and backed him to succeed in his next endeavour.

“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,” Jeff Shi told club website.

“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.”

The 32-year-old made his international debut for Nigeria in September 2015 against Niger Republic and won 10 caps for the Super Eagles who honoured him at the 2018 World Cup by naming him as their 24th squad member.

Nigeria was knocked out at the group stage in Russia and before the tournament their coach Gernot Rohr said: “My biggest regret is the absence of Carl.”