Chris Kamara has taken to social media to update fans on his health after viewers watching Gillette Soccer Saturday were left concerned by his 'slurred speech.'
As he does on many weekends, the much loved pundit and TV legend joined Jeff Stelling and other Sky colleagues for the weekly programme, which gives rolling scores and updates from the games of every league in English and Scottish football.
Middlesbrough born footballer turned manager Chris, affectionately known as 'Kammy,' appeared on location from Rotherham v Shrewsbury and his speech gave fans watching at home cause for concern. One took to Twitter to post: "Not watching Gillette soccer Saturday for ages so not heard @chris_kammy but he doesn’t sound well, slow speech, hope it’s just an age thing."
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Equally worried, a second reacted: Is Chris Kamara ok? I’m not taking the p**s - it’s a genuine concern His speech seems to be slow / slurred." A third tweeted: "is Chris Kamara ok, he really doesn’t sound well with how slow his speech is and slurring his words, it’s worrying?"
Hours after Soccer Saturday finished, Chris, 64, took to Twitter to offer an explanation to all those concerned about him.
He posted: "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!"
Football fans were swift to reply, with one telling Chris: "Legend Kammy for being open about this, still doing a fantastic job, once people are aware, the ignorance will go away, keep up the great work! A part of the Saturday Afternoon Football furniture! (in the nicest way possible!)"
A second responded: "Well done Kammy for highlighting this, it's something that it isn't really understood by those who don't suffer with this, and it's hard to make people understand what it actually feels like, 2 years in and still a struggle but getting there, we got this Kammy!"
Former Sunderland manager Peter Reid also reacted, commenting: "Love you top man. You will get there." Chris' Sky Sports colleague Bianca Westwood told him: "Lots of love to you Kammy."