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United States Chris Kamara explains heartbreaking reason behind "slurred" speech on Soccer Saturday
Broadcaster Chris Kamara has revealed he has been suffering from apraxia of speech, after a number of Soccer Saturday viewers were worried for his health.
Former midfielder Kamara had recently shot down speculation he was poised to leave the show after host Jeff 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.
Kamara was covering the League One match between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon. And, after multiple messages of concern, the pundit explained his situation and pledged to "beat" the speech disorder.
"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.
"Kammy are you ok mate?" a third viewer asked. "Noticing you’re not at your best today. And I don’t mean that in an offensive way. If you’re struggling mate please get some help or talk to someone."
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.
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"Just wanted to let a few of you know who tweeted me today that I am ok ish," Kamara tweeted. "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 heartwarming, with Sky Sports presenter David Jones saying "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 whereby 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.
Jamie Carragher was one of a number of other players, past and present, to show Kamara their support after his announcement. Former Premier League midfielder Charlie Adam also provided well-wishes, as did Sol Bamba, currently at Kamara's old club Middlesbrough.
Former referee Mark Halsey, who famously beat a cancer diagnosis to return to Premier League officiating, also showed Kamara his support. "Not hopefully YOU will beat this pal, be strong stay positive," the former top-flight ref said.
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