Nigeria's '24th Player' At 2018 World Cup Announces Retirement
Published: July 27, 2018
Just over eight weeks after his 32nd birthday, the dream is finally over for Carl Ikeme.
There was a sense of inevitability about Ikeme's decision to call time on a career that had so much potential that was never quite fulfilled, yet that didn't make today's statement any less poignant.
Ikeme's retirement is a chilling reminder of the dark side of the footballer's dream.
The Nigeria international was diagnosed with leukaemia in July last year after returning abnormal results on a blood test taken for pre-season training.
He recently announced on social media that he was in remission and thanked friends, family and the public for their support.
"I can't risk trying to come back, my health is the main thing in all of this," Ikeme told Wolves' official website.
"It's difficult when you look at all the things you've gone through in your football career, but in the grand scheme of things, with your life in danger, it's a minimum price I have to pay to spend time with my family."
The Wolverhampton Wanderers and Super Eagles goalkeeper announced his retirement from football his battle with cancer, the official website of the Premier League boys is reporting.
Ikeme's retirement is a chilling reminder of the dark side of the footballer's dream.
The Nigeria international was diagnosed with leukaemia in July last year after returning abnormal results on a blood test taken for pre-season training.
He recently announced on social media that he was in remission and thanked friends, family and the public for their support.
"I can't risk trying to come back, my health is the main thing in all of this," Ikeme told Wolves' official website.
"It's difficult when you look at all the things you've gone through in your football career, but in the grand scheme of things, with your life in danger, it's a minimum price I have to pay to spend time with my family."
Ikeme was selected as the 24th player for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Abayomi Ademetan
Photo Credit : wolves.co.uk
Latest News
- Arsenal's Super Falcons-eligible midfielder Omotara Junaid making a splash at U17 EURO
- Emmanuel Ukeyima: Malaga interested in 16yo midfielder likened to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal
- Aston Villa transfer chief dubbed 'The Messi of recruitment' holds talks with Iheanacho's camp
- Nigeria U17 squad announcement: Manu Garba picks 19 players for WAFU B U17 Championship
- Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea are not willing to pay Osimhen's huge release clause
- Nottingham Forest defender Aina reveals what Kyle Walker told him after beating Man City star for pace
- Chippa United coach admits there's 'high possibility' of losing Nwabali amid QPR, Union SG links
- Arsenal goalkeeper Okonkwo admits he was sceptical about move to Wrexham at first
- Confirmed team news: Super Eagles defender doubtful for Rangers huge game against Celtic
- 'He's really exceptional' - Former Serie A top scorer hails Osimhen for his aerial prowess
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football