Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, will remain listed as Wolverhampton Wanderer’s number one as he battles acute leukaemia.
The Sky Bet Championship club announced last week the 31-year-old had begun immediate treatment after being diagnosed with the disease during pre-season training.
Wolves this week signed former England goalkeeper John Ruddy following his release by Norwich but he will not take the long-serving Ikeme’s squad number.
Wolves can confirm that @Carl_Ikeme will retain the number one shirt this season and that fans will be invited to show support at @Boro game pic.twitter.com/BLUGYMbCgR
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 11, 2017
Wolves have also announced a number of initiatives to support Ikeme in what could be a long fight against the condition.
The club are also working closely on fundraising with @CureLeukaemia to show support for Carl and raise awareness
? https://t.co/ozNwUavaCa pic.twitter.com/XLXghLhPIS
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 11, 2017
Ten percent of gate receipts from the season opener against Middlesbrough on August 5 will be donated to Birmingham-based charity, Cure Leukaemia, as will profits from the sale of goalkeeper replica shirts printed with ‘Ikeme 1’.
A large banner, flags and messages of support for Ikeme on the electronic boards are among the club’s other initiatives.
Ikeme has been a Wolves player throughout his 14-year professional career. He has been out on numerous loans but featured regularly for Wolves in recent years.
