The all-time great Wolvershamton Wanderers player announced his retirement due to his marriage.

The all-time great Wolvershamton Wanderers player announced his retirement due to his marriage.

A statement from Carl Ikeme’s team, the Wolverhampton Wanderers, declared his retirement from professional football.

Ikeme’s preseason preparations with Wolves [for the 2017–18 campaign] took a dramatic turn in July 2017 when a test on the team’s top player revealed some abnormal blood tests. Additional medical examinations then revealed Ikeme was afflicted with leukemia.

And a year later, following a string of incredible wins over the illness, the 32-year-old will hang up his gloves.

The article continues below.

Ikeme joined Wolverhampton Wanderers at the age of 14, and during his professional career, he made 200 appearances for the team. He also had loan stints at eight other clubs, including Leicester City, Sheffield United, and Queens Park Rangers.

He also participated in ten matches for Nigeria; but, because of his illness, he was unable to represent the nation in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

NEXT MATCH: Northampton Town, League One
Northampton Town, March 23, 2024, at 8:00
DERBY COUNTY
Preview of Derby County’s Match
Ikeme’s tenure with the Wolves was reviewed by executive chairman Jeff Shi, who also wished him well in his upcoming endeavors.

Jeff Shi stated on the team website, “Having been at the club since he was 14 years old, Carl is far more than just a player in our eyes – he is our brother and an important part of our family.”

“We were saddened to hear Carl’s news, but we were also extremely happy to see him in such good health and eager to seize the opportunities that awaited him.”

“Carl has shown during his playing career that he is a strong and resilient person, and I am confident that he will succeed in whatever he does going forward.

“We send Carl our best wishes for the future and assure him that he will always be a member of the Wolves family.”