Wolves and Nigeria 'keeper Ikeme retires after leukaemia battle

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme confirmed his retirement from professional football today following a battle with acute leukaemia.

The England-born player, who was capped 10 times and named as an honorary 24th player in the Nigeria squad at the recent World Cup, revealed last month he was in complete remission from the disease.

"The support has been incredible," the 32-year-old, who has been with Wolves for his whole career, said in a statement on the club's website.

"Every day someone has asked me how I am for a whole year. It's incredible to think people actually care so much that they'll do fundraisers in my name."
"He thinks it's what is best for me and I can't really risk trying to come back -- my health is the priority."
"When Carl came to tell us his news, yes there was sadness, but also great happiness to see him so healthy and hungry for the opportunities that lay ahead of him."