Chris Kamara calls return to football punditry “surreal”

Broadcaster Chris Kamara has characterized an unexpected chance to resume live football commentary as “surreal.” The former manager of Bradford City, who departed Soccer Saturday in 2022 following 24 years at Sky Sports, received a diagnosis of the speech condition apraxia during that same year. Kamara, aged 66, informed the BBC that he believed his reporting career was “done” but verified his upcoming involvement with Amazon Prime Video’s live coverage on Boxing Day, where he will join former colleague Jeff Stelling. “I’ve been invited back to do a job I used to love, so you can’t say no,” he stated. Kamara mentioned that he initially perceived the call from the broadcaster as a prank, further stating: “I asked him was he sure, because I’m not the person I used to be.” He recounted, “you’re perfect for us and you’ll be reporting back to Jeff.” He further remarked: “It’s surreal, I thought I was finished.” Kamara is slated to join the broadcaster’s punditry team for the match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, taking place at the City Ground. The former footballer, a resident of Wakefield, expressed that he was not apprehensive about his comeback “at the moment.” Kamara, whose playing career spanned 20 years, received an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours list in recognition of his contributions to football, anti-racism, and charity. He stated that treatment following his apraxia diagnosis had resulted in him being “75% better.” “Last time I did in-vision reporting my heart was almost coming out of my chest with anxiety, I had terrible palpitations,” he recounted. “But with the help I’ve had, with people rallying around me, I hope I’ll be as cool as a cucumber.” He concluded: “The support has been so positive – so thank you to everyone looking forward to me speaking down the camera from a game again.” The BBC encourages listeners to access highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, view the most recent episode of Look North, or submit potential story ideas. Copyright for this content is held by the BBC, 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.