Chris Kamara Opens Up On Heartbreaking Reason Behind 'Slurred' Speech After Viewers Express Concern For His Health

Chris Kamara has revealed he is suffering from apraxia of speech after fans expressed their concern for his health during this weekend's appearance on Gillette Soccer Saturday.

The former Portsmouth, Swindon and Brentford defender, who is affectionately known as 'Kammy', was covering Saturday's League One clash between Rotherham and Shrewsbury when viewers picked up on his commentary.

Many proceeded to voice their concerns on social media as the events unfolded in Yorkshire. One fan wrote: "What’s up with Chris Kamara? His speech has slowed right down in the last couple of weeks."

‘They have been superb Shrewsbury.’ Words actually spoken by Chris Kamara. pic.twitter.com/7FkU1AYiB2

— FollowTheTown ☮️ (@FollowTheTown1) March 19, 2022

Another concerned Twitter user said: "Kammy are you ok mate? 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."

After multiple messages on Twitter, Kamara, 64, responded by giving supporters an update on his health.

"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!"

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!

— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) March 19, 2022

Got the cracker this aft Rotherham v Shrewsbury ⚽️ not heard 🎼Sweet Caroline🎼 since last week 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/Kypy9trBRT

— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) March 19, 2022

Apraxia of speech is a neurological disorder that affects the brain pathways involved in planning the sequence of movements involved in producing speech.

The brain knows what it wants to say, but cannot properly plan and sequence the required speech sound movements.

Kamara's social media update on his health received an incredible response from fans around the world, while several of his work colleagues showed their support.

Jeff Stelling wrote: "You still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reportson Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal. Keep going!"

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also showed his support, as did Monday Night Football presenter David Jones, who said: "You’re a hero to me and so many others Kammy, sending love."

@chris_kammy you still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reportson Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal. Keep going !

— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) March 20, 2022

Stay strong & get well soon . 😊 pic.twitter.com/lGS7qpaK7h

— Ste Kelly (@svpk11) March 19, 2022

Get well soon Kammy. Focus on the smiles you bring to millions across the country with your brilliant character and kind heart.

Get well soon.

— Thomas Evans ♿ *🇷🇺🖕🏼* *🇺🇦❤* #antiEU (@ThomasEvansAdur) March 19, 2022

Last month, Kamara played down reports he was leaving Soccer Saturday at the end of the 2021/22 season.

"Today's story is news to me." he wrote after seeing the claims. "Even though some of you have noticed that I’ve had a few weeks off [from] Sky Sports, I’m back on the 12th March. Looking forward to seeing Jeff and the Soccer Saturday gang again."

All the best for a speedy recovery, Kammy. A true legend of the game.