After beating cancer, Carl Ikeme is taking his doctors advice and retiring from the game he loves.
The English-born, Nigeria international announced Friday he was retiring from action, 18 years after signing his first professional contract at Wolverhampton. Although he spent many seasons on loan with different clubs throughout England, Ikeme always remained a member of the Wolverhampton family - and payroll.
Ikeme made more than 200 appearances for Wolverhampton in his career, including one Premier League appearance during the 2011-2012 season, Wolverhampton’s last in the Premier League before achieving promotion.
Carl Ikeme reflects on an incredible career. #OneCarlIkeme
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 27, 2018
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“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,” Ikeme said. “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.”
The 32-year-old appeared 10 times for his father’s birth nation of Nigeria, and could have been a part of the World Cup squad in 2018 had it not been for a scary diagnosis 12 months ago. In July 2017, doctors diagnosed Ikeme with acute leukemia. After a 12-month battle, thankfully the cancer is in complete remission.
Many of Ikeme’s current and former teammates have taken time to praise Ikeme’s career, as well as other members of the goalkeeper’s union.
The #GKunion unite in support of @Carl_Ikeme. #OneCarlIkeme
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 27, 2018
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Join the #GKunion and show your support for Carl by sending in a video with '#OneCarlIkeme'
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 27, 2018
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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
It's been a pleasure having you in the EFL, @Carl_Ikeme.
— EFL (@EFL) July 27, 2018
Wishing you the very best for the future. #OneCarlIkeme 🔶◼️ https://t.co/JdKEPpTGUU
Friends of @Carl_Ikeme and Wolves look back at the goalkeeper's time on the pitch. #OneCarlIkeme
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 27, 2018
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18 years. #OneCarlIkeme
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 27, 2018
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There’s only one @Carl_Ikeme 👆🏻#OneCarlIkeme https://t.co/3EyV639TCN
— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) July 27, 2018