Goalkeepers from across the globe have come together in a show of solidarity to Nigeria’s Carl Ikeme who has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia.
The 31-year-old who is to begin chemotherapy returned ”abnormal blood tests’’ during pre-season testing by his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and further diagnosis confirmed he had acute leukaemia.
Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who just won the FIFA Confederations Cup with his country Germany, posted on Facebook on Friday saying that the news that Ikeme had the condition had touched his heart.
Ter Stegen wrote: “Today I read the story about Carl Ikeme, a goalkeeper for Nigeria and Wolverhampton, who’s been diagnosed with acute leukaemia. A person I’ve never met but his story affects me and touches my heart.
“I can’t underline how important health is. In sport, it means a lot for every athlete; and it’s not just crucial so that we perform well but our health does affect us mentally also.
“I wish Carl and his family all the strength in the world. I’m sure his team-mates and club will be there too, and all their fans. It’s important to be united! And me too, I offer all my possible support. I’m hoping he can fight like goalkeepers always do, with a calm and positive mind.
“I believe in you, Carl. Be strong. Be brave.”
Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea, spoke the mind of his colleagues when he tweeted “#KeepStrong Carl Ikeme, all goalkeepers and the football family are with you!”
#KeepStrong ?? @Carl_Ikeme
All goalkeepers and the football family are with you! pic.twitter.com/gBKKVcaD0Q— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) July 7, 2017
So sad to hear that @Carl_Ikeme has been diagnosed with leukemia,, best wishes big man, stay strong?
— Ben Foster (@BenFoster) July 6, 2017
Estamos todos contigo @Carl_Ikeme !
Mucha mucha fuerza ! #KeepStrong ?? pic.twitter.com/hznKI5EWcZ— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) July 7, 2017
All the best @Carl_Ikeme … ???? https://t.co/4G9x8PbWXF
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) July 6, 2017
Stay strong and positive big man @Carl_Ikeme You will beat this disease and come back stronger #GKunion ?
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) July 6, 2017
Stay strong Carl Ikeme, I am sure you will overcome this battle!
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) July 6, 2017
Thoughts are with you and your family bigman @Carl_Ikeme ??
— Marcus Bettinelli (@marcusbettss) July 7, 2017
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Great person who is always positive. Be strong, praying for you! @Carl_Ikeme
— Ali Al-Habsi (@AliAlhabsi) July 7, 2017
Sending my love to you @carl_ikeme and your family at this time. Keep strong big man, I know you’re a fighter!
— Wayne Hennessey (@WayneHennessey1) July 6, 2017
Mucha mucha fuerza @Carl_Ikeme !!
Te mando un gran abrazo!! ?? pic.twitter.com/49A1bBUygp— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) July 6, 2017
Very sad to hear of the illness of @Carl_Ikeme, #KeepStrong?? and keep fighting, we are all behind you! pic.twitter.com/c47sO1VV74
— Loris Karius (@LorisKarius) July 7, 2017
