Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterChris Kamara has opened up about how his 'pride and bravado' stopped him from seeking medical help for his apraxia and dyspraxia.The beloved former Soccer Saturday stalwart received his diagnosis for the rare neurological condition in 2022 - but says the signs had been there for much longer.Though the illness has not gone away, Kamara is now in a much better place physically and mentally, and he recently completed the Great North Run.Pick the ultimate 4-4-2 line-up from players in FourFourTwo's definitive Top 100 ListKammy: 'Some people thought I was drunk'However, Kamara told FourFourTwo just how tough it was to get the diagnosis that effectively ended his broadcasting career, saying: "I thought I was imagining it at first. I tried to speak and the words wouldnt come out, or they came out wrong."I was slurring so much that some people thought I was drunk. You may like "Whenever I said Unbelievable Jeff! theyd have to all down their whole pints" Chris Kamara on his legendary catchphrase and how it became part of university drinking culture Chris Kamara on why he never thought Soccer Saturday would be a hit I have no memory of my car crash. When the first responders got there one leg was a quarter smaller than the other because it was completely shattered Michail Antonio on his 2024 car crash "It was maddening. The worst thing is, I felt like it was all my fault. The signs had been there and Id chosen to ignore them until it was too late."It was while we were filming Cash in the Attic that I started to notice my speech slowing.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."The show was really good with me about it and wanted me to continue, but I was worried."But I brushed it aside, like I did so often throughout my playing career. As a player, I wasn't really interested in going to the doctor or seeing anybody. I was like, Man up, Chris! What can be so bad?"I went through life as a dinosaur, basically. I dont know whether it's pride, bravado, or whatever. I just kept thinking, One day Ill wake up and itll be gone." What to read next Clarke Carlisle explains how he appeared on Countdown I worked as a hairdresser before joining Gillingham it was clattering Steve Bruce that earned me the contract How Tony Cascarino earned his big break in football "I thought about ending my career: I was only 25" Loris Karius opens up about two-year hell after THAT Liverpool vs Real Madrid Champions League final When it didn't go away, Kamara finally sought help.He explained: "I went to see my GP and the blood test revealed I had an underactive thyroid - but another doctor told me that hed never come across a person suffering with thyroid issues whose speech had been affected. He told me to look elsewhere for the root of that issue."So I saw another specialist and was eventually diagnosed with apraxia of speech and dyspraxia of my motor skills."I was absolutely devastated. I shut myself away and became totally depressed. I cancelled all appearances and TV work. I didnt want to talk to a soul."Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
