‘My health is priority’ – Carl Ikeme announces retirement

Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 32-year old, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017, says he thinks it is best for him to stop playing because of the toll the treatment of the ailment has taken on his body.

In an interview with Wolves, the English Premier League side where Ikeme has been for his whole career making 207 appearances, he revealed that his decision to retire has come after consulting medical experts.

“It’s been a tough year, I can’t explain how long it’s been,” he stated.

“It was a relief to know the intense part was over. I was in remission in the first month but you don’t know how the treatment is going to go. It was a relief to get the all clear to go home and spend time with your family.

“I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body. 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,” he said.

In a statement on the club’s website, Wolves chairman Jeff Shi praised the goalkeeper’s strength of character in “what has been a very challenging time for him.”

“Carl is more than just a player in our eyes – he is our brother and an important part of our family,” said Shi.

10-capped Ikeme stood as Super Eagles’ first choice between the sticks at the start of the team’s race to Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, before he was diagnosed with the ailment.

He was however named as an honorary member of the Nigerian squad at the World Cup by team manager, Gernot Rohr.

Ikeme admits receiving support from his national teammates, from Nigerian fans and from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who are also expected to make a statement following the announcement.