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Chris Kamara explains heartbreaking reason behind “slurred” speech on Soccer Saturday

Chris Kamara explains heartbreaking reason behind “slurred” speech on Soccer Saturday when covering Rotherham v Shrewsbury on Saturday.

The much loved broadcaster has revealed he has been suffering from apraxia of speech, after a number of Sky Sports viewers were worried for his health.

The former footballer turned pundit was reporting on the League One match, after multiple messages of concern, 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 you’re ok, not your usual self,” was the message from another.

“Kammy are you ok mate?” a third viewer questioned. “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.”

He had revealed last year he had been diagnosed with a thyroid condition. But now, after the recent concern, Kammy has provided further details of his struggles live on air.

“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 in it’s hundreds, with Sky Sports presenter David Jones saying “You’re a hero to me and so many others Kammy sending love”. Kelly Cates said “You’ve got this Kammy,” and former Leeds United and Sunderland manager Peter Reid said “Love you top man. You will get there”.

Apraxia of speech is a condition which can leave affected person with trouble speaking. It affects the process of sending messages from the brain to the mouth in order to form intended words.

Jamie Carragher offered Kamara his support after his announcement while former Premier League midfielder Charlie Adam was also alike many to provided well-wishes, as did Sol Bamba, currently at Kamara’s old club Middlesbrough.

Former referee Mark Halsey, who beat a cancer diagnosis to return to Premier League officiating, showed Kamara his support. “Not hopefully YOU will beat this pal, be strong stay positive.”

Twitter users reacted as Chris Kamara explains his heartbreaking reason behind the “slurred” speech on Soccer Saturday…

@OllyBausor: 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!) 😁😁💪🏼💪🏼👍🏻

@TheEaglesBeak: Best wishes to you Kammy!

@AndyJGard: The nation’s behind you pal. Still our Kammy 🙌🏻❤️

@jimmydoris1986: I read about this last year. In children it can be common and in adults it can develop spontaneously. It can be managed and treated though and someone with your will and determination will be able to conquer this. I really wish you all the very best and a wonderful 2022 mate!

@steash45: 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!

@DaveHodge63: Thought you sounded down, really missed your cheerfulness, hopefully you will beat this problem quickly as your happiness lifts us all, best wishes mate

@GillH1973: Oh Kammy sorry to read this. Still loving your reporting on Soccer Saturday 👍⚽️. I hope you kick it to the back of the net soon!👍👍👍👍

@UpperGwladysBlu: Sorry to hear that Chris. Get well soon mate, really enjoy you on tv. All the best. 👊🏻💙

@nmw1964: Power and strength to you Kammy if anyone can get through this you can 🙏❤️

@gavc1980: Glad you’ve posted and your doing ok. You’ll get through it with hard work and time 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 people can tell watching you your not your normal self so at least people know now 👍🏻👍🏻 head up lad

@adyady14: I thought you were excellent today. Don’t let this beat you or get you down. You clearly enjoy yourself that’s the only important thing. You’ll win.

@kjdoublem: You’ll get there Kammy. Legend

@kevmagoo: Even if it took you 10 mins longer than before to deliver Chris you’ll still be the best match reporter and by a country mile 👏 👏👏👍👍👍 we’re all 100% behind ya lad . Keep up fight ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

@Football_Paul1: I had a stroke at 37 and lost the right hand side of my body including speech, had 5 kids at the time and it was a struggle mate but it’s doable. Head up and keep commentating on the worlds greatest game kammy. It was you guys that helped me on the bad Saturdays 👍👍

@Eldewsio: Love you beyond belief Kammy lad you know that. @chris_kammy Will arrange a night in York for a couple of beers pal

@collydog1987: There’s no hopefully about it. With your genuine class, positive personality and attention to red cards (😁) you have 100% got this. Best wishes and look forward to seeing you on screen when you are fully recovered. 💪🤗

@UFD_OX: Best of luck Kammy x

@TrelfMCFC: Genuine top man, made me laugh over the years Kammy! You’ve got the backing of countless fans, keep doing what you’re doing!

@louise_pne: Saturday afternoons wouldn’t be the same without you! You can do it, keep on keeping on x

@ianscaife1: Take it easy and get back to full health soon

@BeastofHowden: Get well soon Kammy!

@craig_wrighty: My 75-year-old Mum and your biggest fan phoned me this aft and said “Aw is Kammy not well?” during Soccer Saturday, and I explained you were a bit out of fettle but on the mend. So if a card addressed to “Kammy, Wakefield” turns up at your gaff, it’s from her. All the best 🤞

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