Broadcaster and former Leeds United ace Chris Kamara has revealed he has been suffering from apraxia of speech, after a number of Soccer Saturday viewers voiced concern for his health.
Former midfielder Kamara - affectionately known as 'Kammy' - was covering the League One match between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon when viewers noticed that he his speech was "slurred". After receiving multiple messages of concern, the pundit explained his situation and pledged to "beat" the speech disorder, The Mirror reports.
"Is Chris Kamara unwell?? Very slurred speech on Sky Sports," one viewer tweeted. "Take care @chris_kammy hope your ok [sic], not your usual self," was the message from another, while plenty reached out to the 64-year-old to show their support.
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The broadcaster had revealed last year he had been diagnosed with a thyroid condition. Now, after the recent concern, he has provided further details of his struggles.
In a tweet that you can view below, Kamara 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!"
The response was from others in the football world was heartwarming, with the host of Soccer Saturday and Kamara's long-term colleague Jeff Stelling telling him: "You still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reports on Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal. Keep going !"
Sky Sports presenter David Jones messaged "You’re a hero to me and so many others Kammy sending love". Fellow presenter Kelly Cates said "You’ve got this Kammy," while former Leeds United and Sunderland manager Peter Reid said "Love you top man. You will get there".
Apraxia of speech is a condition where the affected person has trouble speaking. It affects the process of sending messages from the brain to the mouth in order to form intended words.
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.
Kammy recently shot down speculation he was leaving Soccer Saturday, after host Stelling confirmed his own imminent departure in October. Stelling, who has hosted Soccer Saturday for more than 25 years, confirmed he would step away at the end of the current season.
