Former Leeds United and Bradford City footballer Chris Kamara has revealed he offered to quit his new ITV show over his recent health worries. Chris announced recently that he had developed apraxia of speech, which has led to him taking a break from Sky Sports, quitting on Saturday after over two decades on the show.
Kamara also admitted that he sought to leave his latest programme, The Games, on ITV but he was persuaded to stay by TV bosses. Chris spoke at the show's launch speaking about his choice to quit and thanked the ITV team for begging him to stay on board.
He will be working alongside experienced commentator Simon Brotherton. The two worked together on BBC Radio 5 Live in the late 1990s when he first began his broadcasting career.
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Kamara revealed worrying news last month after fans noticed he was slurring his words on TV, he later revealed that his neurological condition made his speech difficult. Speech apraxia is caused when messages do not get through correctly due to brain damage.
Kamara tweeted back in March to reassure his viewers, saying he has been working to get back to normal. It said: "Just wanted to let a few of you know who tweeted me today that I am ok ish. Alongside my Thyroid problem I have developed Apraxia of Speech & have been working to get my speech back to normal. Some days it can be a little slow and some days it’s normal. Hopefully I can beat this!"
Kamara played for Leeds United between 1990 and 1991 during a lengthy career that also saw him play for Sheffield United, Bradford City and Brentford, for whom he totted up the most appearances for.
His longtime colleague and co-presenter Jeff Stelling bid an emotional goodbye to him on Sky Sports, saying: "Kammy is a genius, an absolute genius.”
Chris told The Mail that he is getting the help he needs, working with doctors hoping to be back to his old self in a few weeks. He has been in oxygen tubes, and had micro currents going through his body to try and alleviate the symptoms of his apraxia.
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