Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has emotionally discussed the difficulties of living with a stammer. A stalwart at Elland Road, the 31-year-old is a tenacious right-back not shy about being the centre of attention on the field.
However, away from the pitch, Ayling could not live a more polarising life. The defender developed a speech impediment as a child and, earlier in his career, would refrain from interviews.
Ayling has admitted to enduring horrific abuse about his stutter - but now puts any negativity to the back of his mind. While confessing to still overpreparing for interviews, the fact he can conduct them in the first place was a huge step to overcome.
