Wolverhampton wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.
The Nigeria international has been with the Molineux club for his whole career, making more than 200 appearances.
In June, Ikeme said he was in “complete remission” after “a tough year and intense chemotherapy”.
His decision to retire has come after consulting medical experts and Ikeme told his team-mates on Tuesday.
In a statement, 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.
Ikeme joined the West Midlands club – who won the Championship last season to earn promotion to the Premier League – as a 14-year-old.
He was a regular when Wolves won League One in 2014 and played 10 times for Nigeria, who honoured him at this summer’s World Cup by naming him as their 24th squad member.
The Super Eagles were 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.”
scribblesurban.wordpress.com 