Carl Ikeme: Super Eagles goalkeeper retires from football

Carl Made the decision after consultation with medical experts following his 12-month battle with acute leukaemia.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football a year after he was diagnosed of acute leukaemia.

Carl who made his Super Eagles debut in September 2015 has not been in action since he was diagnosed of acute leukaemia in July 2017 and just entered complete remission.

The 32-year-old made his retirement announcement to his club on Tuesday, July 24 although the club made it public on Friday, July 27.

According to the report on the club's website, Carl made the decision after consultation with medical experts following his 12-month battle with acute leukaemia.

 

“After speaking to the doctor, he suggests that I should retire, just the treatment, the toll its taking on my body and things like that,” Carl said in an emotional interview on Wolves’ official website.

“He thinks that's best for me and I mean I can’t really risk trying to come back, you know my health is the main thing. I just want to be here for my children and family and friends.

It’s difficult in a way when you look back what you have gone through to get your football career but in the grand scheme of things with your life in danger it is a minimum price I have to pay to spend some more time with my family.

 

It’s an easy decision to make in a way. I’ve had a long year and I kind of knew it would be difficult but hearing it from the doctor it just confirmed what I thought would happen anyway.”

One-club man

 

It was during a pre-season testing at Wolves before the 2017/2018 season that he was diagnosed after returning some abnormal blood.

He missed the whole of the season as Wolves went on to win promotion to the Premier League.

Carl started his career at Wolves, the club he joined at the age of 14 and was a regular when the club won League One in 2014.

Although he had loan stints at Charlton, Leicester City, Middlesbrough and host of other clubs, he never left Wolves since he joined as a 14-year-old.

“This is my club, it’s strange, this year, watching the games and getting a bit heated on my own in the hospital room or wherever I am watching,” he further said. 

“Even when I’m on the commentary boot, it’s no different. I try to be professional when it comes to the commentary a little bit but it just kinda spells out.

“It will always be my club. Now I’m not playing, just a fan, which I’m looking forward to as well. Just being a fan and enjoying the games with the fans that supported me through my whole career. And obviously in my hardest moments.

“I’m looking forward to being a fan with them and just enjoying the games.”

Future plans

Carl is still unsure about his future although the Wolverhampton have promised to help him in any way they can.

“I don’t even know to be honest. Holiday, family next,” he said when he was asked about his future plan.

“I don't know for the near future but maybe I spoke to the club and they are happy to facilitate whatever I want to do. I want to become a big part of the club.”

Super Eagles

 

His battle with acute leukaemia also saw the goalkeeper miss the remainder of the Super Eagles 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the tournament proper which held in Brazil.

Born in Sutton Coldfield, Carl was eligible to represent England and Nigeria at international level and choose the latter.

Carl received his first Super Eagles call-up in September 2015 ahead of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against Tanzania.

He became the first-choice goalkeeper following the resignation of former captain Vincent Enyeama who had quit the national team after clashing with then-coach Sunday Oliseh.

He made nine caps and had five clean sheets for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

For the 2018 FIF World Cup, he was honoured as the 24th squad member of the Super Eagles.