Oldy but goldy Wolf

Carl Ikeme had been at Wolves pretty much his entire career when he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia. He'd come through as a teenager and racked up more than 200 games, and the shirt still meant something every time he wore it. In the summer of 2017, routine pre-season tests changed everything. Instead of getting ready for another season, he was fighting for his life. Football took a back seat for the next year. He was in hospital in Manchester, with his partner Saba by his side, and Wolves never went anywhere. “They constantly asked if there was anything I needed when I was in hospital in Manchester.” “They sorted all my treatment, looked after me and were there for me any time I had to call.” That same season, Wolves won the Championship and went up to the Premier League. Ikeme didn't play a single game. When he was finally told he was in remission, the treatment had taken too heavy a toll, and the doctor advised him to retire. “I can’t really risk trying to come back, my health is the priority.” “I want to be here for my children, family and friends.” So he had to come to terms with never playing for Wolves again. Then the club did something he never forgot: rather than simply honouring his existing deal, they put him on the improved Premier League contract he'd have got had he been fit to play. “The club helped me in ways they didn’t need to.” “They told me they weren’t just going to honour my existing contract.” “They were putting me on the improved contract I would have received for playing in the Premier League.” “They did that despite the fact I never played last season and now I’ve had to retire.” From the days of Portakabins and mini-buses to watching the return to the Premier League from a hospital room, he'd given Wolves years. Even after football was taken from him, they made sure he knew he still belonged. “I’m proud this is my club and it always will be.” “I’m proud I can always come back to Wolverhampton and always have friends here.” “And be loved.”