Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has today announced his retirement from the professional game on medical advice. Coming through the youth ranks at Wolves, Ikeme made his club debut on the 23rd August 2005 in a 5-1 win over Chester City in the League Cup second round.
Carl Ikeme Announces Retirement Following Cancer Battle
Breakthrough at Wolves
After many loan spells, Ikeme made the breakthrough as Wolves’ starting goalkeeper at the start of the 2012/13 season due to the injury of Wayne Hennessey. He was the starting goalkeeper for all of that season until a bizarre own goal against Bristol City led to him being substituted at half-time. It was later confirmed that the goalkeeper had broken his hand by punching the tactical board during the interval.
The injury kept Ikeme out for the remainder of that season, which ended in relegation to League One. Ikeme regained the goalkeeping position at the start of the 2013/14 due to the sale of Hennessey. He helped Wolves win the League One title with 22 clean sheets and was subsequently named in the eTam of the Year.
International Goalkeeper
Despite being born in Sutton Coldfield, Ikeme was eligible to play for both England and Nigeria and he chose the latter. He got his first call-up March 2007 and made his international debut on the 5th September 2015 against Tanzania. He made ten international appearances altogether.
Battle With Leukaemia
On 6th July 2017, Wolves announced that Ikeme had been diagnosed with acute leukaemia after returning abnormal blood tests during a routine pre-season checkup. On the 23rd June 2018, Ikeme announced, after nearly a year-long intense chemotherapy treatment, that he was in complete remission.
Retirement
Ikeme announced his retirement from the game on the 27th July 2018 following medical advice. Ikeme will be a Molineux legend, making over 200 appearances in all competitions for Wolves over a 15-year spell.
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