Chris Kamara makes an emotional statement that he’s to leave Sky Sports after 24 years of being part of our matchdays on and off screen.
Kamara, better known as “Kammy”, also worked on Soccer AM and Goals on Sunday over his time at Sky Sports.
It’s the funny moments on the scores show with presenter Jeff Stelling that he is most fondly remembered – and his much loved catchphrase, “Unbelievable, Jeff!”.
Kamara said: “My long career at Sky Sports has never felt like work. I’ve spent 24 terrific years at Sky, and leave with the best of memories.
“My time on Soccer AM, Goals on Sunday and, of course, on Soccer Saturday with Jeff has been – to coin a phrase – unbelievable. I’ve had the time of my life, and look forward to tuning in every Saturday as a fan.”
A Sky Sports statement read: “After 24 brilliant years at Sky Sports, including many years as a star of Soccer Saturday, Chris Kamara is leaving the show at the end of the season.
“The Soccer Saturday show paid tribute to him this afternoon, and he leaves with our thanks and very best wishes.”
Gary Hughes, Sky Sports Director of Football, added: “Kammy has been a Sky Sports star. Everyone has a favourite Kammy anecdote or highlight, and the tribute we paid to him on air this afternoon really shows the special place he has in the hearts of our viewers.
“We’ve been so lucky to have him, and he will always be part of the Sky Sports football family.”
The pundit said back in March that “live TV might have to take a back seat” after he opened up on his diagnosis with apraxia of speech.
And after revealing that he was suffering from a health condition that impedes his ability to talk, Kamara says he would have to tone down live TV appearances.
While he will leave Soccer Saturday, he will now return to screens next month.
Kamara has been confirmed as a commentator on ITV show ‘The Games’ which airs on the 9th of May.
He will be commentating on the events, which includes celebs taking part in diving, cycling, swimming and gymastics events.
Kamara opened up on his battle with apraxia of speech last month on Good Morning Britain.
He said: “If I explain my apraxia, we take for granted the fact when we think and coming through our speech it’s comfortable, it’s easy, it’s natural.
“My apraxia, when it’s bad stops those signals from that brain going to that mouth. It slows it down, at times it slurs the words as well.
“People are looking thinking ‘is he all right? Is he drunk? What’s the matter with him?’
“When I put out the message after Soccer Saturday, I never in a million years expected that response, but everyone has been so brilliant, so kind.
“People have got in touch who I haven’t spoken to in 30 or 40 years to wish me well.”
Twitter users reacted as Chris Kamara makes an emotional statement that he’s to leave Sky Sports after 24 years…
@TheShinyOrange: Class act, so many funny memorable moments. Wish him the best 🤝
@a_sufc: Wow what a miss he will be, he’s done Sky for as long as I can remember & I wish him all the best ONCE A BLADE ALWAYS A BLADE
@Jwme: Health comes 1st but he’ll be a miss with his humour
@Baldy_Bassey: One of the most legendary moments in the history of Soccer Saturday came from you at Fratton Park thinking there was a substitution but it was actually a red card 😂 legend 💙
@UrbanSloth87: Thank you for the fun over the years Kammy ❤
@monkeyhead78: Still the best ever sky sports pundit that ever was and will be!
@MattPennyPFC: You’ll be sorely missed Kammy. Thank you for some of the best moments on Soccer Saturday.. Absolute legend.. PUP
@colindherbert: Unbelievable! We will miss you so much and all the laughs along the way, take care, all the best ⚽️⚽️
@jaydwb: Tears of laughter and sadness watching Jeffs tribute to you. You’ll be missed Chris 👏👏👏
@WhufcSloth:
Thanks for everything Kammy!
Always a joy to watch & always friendly!
Won’t be the same without you & wish you all the best going forward
@StokieJulie: Thank you for all the fun and laughter you have brought when reporting on the matches x you will be missed greatly good luck with whatever you do next x
Chris Kamara is a Sky Sports legend ❤️ He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/bjhaaC1ORz
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 30, 2022
@Goggs1987: Legend, it won’t be the same without him
@Catherinexox2: Absolutely gutted won’t be the same without him hes my absolute fave ❤️
@mickymaguire: Sad times, congratulations on such a great 24 years Kammy
@thfcsxn: There’s been a resignation but for who Chris kamara
@Michael96779218: Soccer Saturday is losing its appeal … I hope Kammy is in good health tho …. Great bloke
@splootman: This is sad news, Chris is an UNBELIEVABLE legend! Thanks for everything Chris, it’s been an absolute joy watching and listening to your insightful expertise over the years 😀😀😂😂😂
@matticism: Legend. Thanks for the great memories @chris_kammy. Best of luck with whatever you do next 🙏
@BrianMa44244172: Gutted. Absolute legend. Whatever happens to my team he always leave you with a smile. Proper player & commentator.
@Brightonfan: Thank you for the memories Kammy. 24 years of absolutely brilliant punditry and outrageous moment, such as the sending off.
@scouse1626: All the best for the future Kammy 💙
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