Accolades have been pouring in from various Nigerians and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, retired from football on Friday on health grounds.
The former Super Eagles’ number one who started the journey to the Russia 2018 World Cup with the Eagles, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 but entered into complete remission in June.
The 32-year-old announced the news to his Wolverhampton Wanderers teammates, before a training session at Compton on Tuesday morning.
“I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body,” Ikeme said.
“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. 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,” he said.
However, praises have since poured in for Ikeme.
“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,” said Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi.
“Sad day: Carl Ikeme retires from football after leukemia! A great human being,goalkeeper,ambassador for football & Nigeria, U showed so much courage & strength facing this illness.God bless you Carl,we will miss U on the pitch but we are extremely glad 2 have you with us still”, Sunday Oliseh, the former Super Eagles Coach who brought Ikeme into the Super Eagles tweeted.
Sad day :Carl Ikeme retires from football after leukemia! A great human being,goalkeeper,ambassador for football & Nigeria,U showed so much courage & strength facing this illness.God bless you Carl,we will miss U on the pitch but we are extremely glad 2 have you with us still. pic.twitter.com/9Cjag6XVer
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) July 27, 2018
See more commendations from across the world:
It was an honour to have shared the dressing room with you Carl, You’re such a wonderful guy and a fighter. I’m wishing you all the best in retirement bro. Enjoy every minute of it. ???????? @Carl_Ikeme pic.twitter.com/otKPlvWVSO
— Elderson Echiejile (@EldersonEch) July 27, 2018
I’m privileged and proud to have played along side you and been apart of your @Wolves journey!
An amazing goalkeeper, teammate and friend….enjoy retirement @Carl_Ikeme ❤#OneCarlIkeme pic.twitter.com/hMr5p5oM9J
— Dave Edwards (@_DaveEdwards) July 27, 2018
What an honour it was to be a teammate of this big wonderful guy, but to be able to call him a friend aswell is even better. All the best in retirement bro enjoy every minute of it ❤ @Carl_Ikeme pic.twitter.com/4Os3jjt7BD
— Aaron McCarey (@mccareyA1) July 27, 2018
Tried to put together a few words on today’s announcement. @Carl_Ikeme will forever be Wolves’ number one #wwfc https://t.co/oG9Lk3rICZ
— Tim Spiers (@tim_spiers_Star) July 27, 2018
Thank you @Carl_Ikeme for the memories and we wish you all the best in life as you continue to triumph! #ThankYouCarlIkeme pic.twitter.com/24s4T4otGM
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) July 27, 2018
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