De Gea, Ter Stegen lead footballing world in support for Carl Ikeme

David de Gea is among the goalkeepers in world football to send support to Wolves shot-stopper Carl Ikeme after he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

The Manchester United keeper took to Twitter, where he wrote the following: "Keep strong, Carl Ikeme, all goalkeepers and the football family are with you!"

Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen penned a message of support for Ikeme on his Facebook page, where he also posted an image of the 31-year-old.

A section of the message reads: "I wish Carl and his family all the strength in the world. I'm sure his teammates 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."

The Barcelona shot-stopper concluded: "I believe in you, Carl. Be strong. Be brave."

Ikeme returned abnormal blood tests during pre-season testing, and further tests revealed he is suffering from leukaemia.

He will now start an immediate course of chemotherapy as he begins a lengthy battle against the disease.

"It would be an understatement to say that everyone at Wolves has been shocked and saddened to hear the news of Carl's diagnosis," said Wolves' managing director Laurie Dalrymple.

"That relates to both players and staff as Carl has been at the club for a very long time and remains such an integral personality within the group.

"At the same time, we all know what a fighter and a competitor Carl is, and I have no doubt that he will take all of those attributes into this battle.

"Similarly, its goes without saying that Carl and his family will receive the full love and support that we at Wolves can provide – we are all with him every single step of the way towards a full recovery.

"There are going to be some very tough times ahead, but he will receive the best possible care, aided and supported by our own club doctor and medical team, as he embarks on the lengthy process of treatment.

"We are speaking to Carl regularly, and sending him our very best wishes as he comes to terms with this news and starts his recovery."