Anish Vij
Soccer Saturday legend Chris Kamara has shared a 'heartbreaking' health update, leaving viewers in tears.
The former footballer who suffers from Apraxia of Speech opened up on the condition on today's (9 November) episode of Good Morning Britain.
Watch below:
The 65-year-old pundit - who played professional football for the likes of Brentford, Stoke and Leeds - said he was initially 'in denial' about his condition.
Apraxia of Speech is a speech sound disorder, and is defined by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) as 'a neurological disorder that affects the brain pathways involved in planning the sequence of movements involved in producing speech'.
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"The brain knows what it wants to say, but cannot properly plan and sequence the required speech sound movements," NIDCD explain.
Taking to the ITV show earlier today, Kammy said: "I went to see a brain specialist and I was only in there for two minutes and he said, 'You've got Apraxia of Speech', where the connection between the brain and mouth breaks down and you can't say the words.
"Your mouth can't control itself. The words come out very slowly.
"I thought that defined me. So my apologies to everyone out with there with a speech condition, because it doesn't define who you are."
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Tearing up, he added: "I get upset talking about it, because I was in denial. I was ashamed that I couldn't speak."
Viewers were heartbroken by Kamara's admission, as one person tweeted: "Honestly my heart bleeds for Chris Kamara. One of the very good guys in life."
Another added: "Well that set the tears off! Kammy what an absolute diamond…."
"Kammy you legend. Set me off and there is nothing to be shamed about," a third said.
"Such an emotional interview. You’re doing amazing Kammy! X," a fourth penned.
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Earlier this year, Kamara announced he would step away from his Sky Sports duties at the end of the 22/23 season following a 25-year stint in the industry.
Sky Sports presenter David Jones issued his support to his colleague, tweeting: "You’re a hero to me and so many others Kammy sending love."
Jeff Stelling, who also left Sky Sport at the end of the season, added: "@chris_kammy you still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reports on Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal. Keep going!"
Fellow presenter Kelly Cates said: "You’ve got this Kammy."
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While former Leeds United and Sunderland manager Peter Reid said: "Love you top man. You will get there."