Former Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme said participation in mixed martial arts inspired him to resume training after recovering from his cancer treatment.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 which forced him to hang up his boots and go into full remission a year later.
Ikeme played 10 matches for the Super Eagles and he played a part in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia by featuring in the first three matches.
After his long recovery process, the 36-year-old has found joy in a new sport, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is more of grappling and ground fighting.
“A part of my recovery was to get back in the gym,” Ikeme told BBC Sport.
“I’d lost three stone at one point. I was extremely unhealthy coming out of cancer treatment. I think what the arts and especially Brazilian jiu-jitsu gave me was a purpose to train again.”
Ikeme started his football career at Wolves in 2003 and he made more 200 appearances for the club before leaving the Molineux in 2018.
The former Nigeria international admitted initial reluctance to watch football games after his recovery, which he has overcome and he is back in front of his TV screen as a football fan.
“I’ve come to terms with life after football,” he added.
“I’ve started to enjoy football a little bit more. When I first come out I wasn’t really interested in watching it too much but I’ve been to quite a few Wolves games this season. It’s good.
“I love family life, obviously doing all the arts, working. I’m always trying to strive for balance and never quite get it right but that’s my new life now really. Just enjoying football as a fan.
