“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”…Jeff Shi
Carl Ikeme has confirmed his retirement from professional football according to a statement from his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In July 2017, Ikeme’s pre-season preparations with Wolves [for 2017-18 campaign] took a drastic turn after a test on the club’s no. 1 returned some abnormal blood tests, with further medical checks revealing he was suffering from Leukaemia.
And a year on, after some remarkable victories over the condition, the 32-year-old will hang his gloves.
During the course of his professional career, Ikeme made 200 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers – a club he joined aged 14 – and had loan spells at eight other clubs including Leicester City, Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers.
He also played 10 games for Nigeria, but missed out on the chance to represent the country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia due to the illness.
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.”
