Carl Ikeme: I want to keep playing until I'm 40

SUPER Eagles first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme says he feels ‘better than ever’ with his recent form and wants to carry on playing until he is 40, sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper who has been capped seven times by Nigeria is also expected to be in action in a double header international friendly against Mali on Friday in Paris and Luxembourg on Tuesday.

The Nigerian international saved his best for last in 2015/16 with a solid run of performances for the Wolves since Christmas – after being dropped at the start of the campaign.

Now aged 29, Ikeme feels he’s coming into the prime of his career.

He said: “I feel good but I still feel there is more to come – and I feel like that every year,” he told his club’s official website before departing for the national duty.

“It was only really at the end of the season that I looked back and reflected on everything and felt like I hadn’t done too badly. I felt in good form and maybe as good as I have ever been. I have been fortunate to have played a lot of games and that brings you experience.

“Maybe it’s 29 to 34 or 35 that can be considered a goalkeeper’s prime because you are still fit enough and you have that experience.

“Hopefully I can carry on playing, I’d love to keep going until I was 40 to be honest! I would like to think I keep myself in good shape at all times and I love playing football.”