Chris Kamara has apologized to “everybody out there” suffering from apraxia during an emotional interview in which the popular football pundit admitted he was ashamed after being diagnosed with the rare speech condition.

Kamara, 65, teared up during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (9 November) as the Soccer Saturday star reflected on his journey to overcoming the shame and denial he felt in the aftermath of his diagnosis in 2021.

The neurological disorder affects the body’s ability to perform natural motor functions, with many sufferers developing problems talking.

“My apologies to everybody out there who has got a speech condition, because it doesn’t define who you are,” the former footballer said. “I get upset talking about it, because I was in denial, I was ashamed that I couldn’t speak.”

Kamara then became visibly emotional, before presenter Susaanna Reid reached out to comfort him.

“You have got nothing to be ashamed of. Just let me take your hand,” she said. “You have done so much to inspire other people.”

Key takeaways:

  • Chris Kamara has apologized to people with speech disorders for feeling ashamed of his own condition.
  • Kamara was diagnosed with apraxia of speech, a rare neurological disorder that affects the body’s ability to perform natural motor functions.
  • He said he felt “in denial” and “ashamed” after his diagnosis, but has since overcome those feelings and is now speaking out to inspire others.

Keywords: Chris Kamara, apraxia of speech, speech disorder, ashamed, denial, inspiration, Good Morning Britain, interview, Susaanna Reid, Ben Shepherd