Chris Kamara sent his sincere thanks to his followers on Twitter as he confirmed he will take a break from his regular presenting role due to concerns over his health.
The much-loved pundit, 64, was covering a League One match between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday last weekend when fans noticed his speech was "slurred". He later took to social media to explain he is battling apraxia which makes it difficult for him to speak at times.
"Just wanted to let a few of you know who tweeted me today that I am ok ish," Kamara wrote. "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!"
Kamara received an overwhelming response from fans wishing him a swift recovery and Jeff Stelling led the tributes from his colleagues at Sky Sports. The Soccer Saturday host wrote: "Kammy you still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all of your reports on Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal, keep going!"
Kelly Cates also sent her support and fellow presenter David Jones added: "You're a hero to me and so many others Kammy sending love." Kamara, who made over 600 appearances in the Football League during his playing career, has served as a pundit for Sky Sports for many decades to much acclaim.
But he will temporarily step away from his role reporting from matches up and down the country to focus on his health. In a tweet outlining his decision on Monday, he wrote: "Thank you so much to everyone for your best wishes. Twitter can be a wonderful platform.
What are your favourites Chris Kamara moments on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday? Have your say in the comments!
"The response about my Apraxia has been overwhelming. Unfortunately for you viewers this is not the end of me but 'Live TV' might have to take a back seat at the moment. Thank you."
Kamara hung up his boots in 1995 after a 20-year playing career spent with Portsmouth, Swindon Town, Brentford, Stoke City, Leeds United, Luton Town, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and Bradford City. He spent the majority of his playing days with clubs in the second or third tiers but made 29 Premier League appearances between 1992 and 1994. The former midfielder then spent two-and-a-half years as Bradford manager - leading the Bantams to promotion to the second tier in 1996 - before a brief stint in the Stoke dugout in 1998.