Jeff Stelling fought back tears to pay a touching tribute to Chris Kamara after the broadcasting icon announced he will be leaving Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday later this year.
Kamara has spent more than two decades as a pundit on the show, earning legendary status for his affable style and iconic catchphrase: “Unbelievable, Jeff!” The 64-year-old revealed in March that he had been diagnosed with apraxia of speech and admitted he may have to tone down live appearances with the condition impeding his ability to speak.
“After 24 years at Sky Sports we have announced my departure,” he posted on social media. “I have loved every minute & the memories will live with me forever. Working with Jeff & the boys has been Unbelievable! And the special days on Goals on Sunday with Ben Shephard who has become a great pal. I’ve had a blast!”
A statement from Sky Sports added: "After 24 brilliant years at Sky Sports, including many years as a star of Soccer Saturday, Chris Kamara is leaving the show at the end of the season. The Soccer Saturday show paid tribute to him this afternoon, and he leaves with our thanks and very best wishes."
Gary Hughes, Sky Sports Director of Football, said: "Kammy has been a Sky Sports star. Everyone has a favourite Kammy anecdote or highlight, and the tribute we paid to him on air this afternoon really shows the special place he has in the hearts of our viewers.
"We've been so lucky to have him, and he will always be part of the Sky Sports football family."
After a clip showing some of Kammy’s best moments on the show, a clearly emotional Stelling heaped praise on his long-term colleague. “Kammy is a genius and absolute genius,” he began, before inviting fellow pundit Paul Merson to pay his own tribute. “For all of the funny bits, his knowledge of football is second to none.
“What a bloke. He knows his football, he loves his football. People will look at him and think he’s just funny, but his knowledge of football is scary. You could sit down with him and he knew absolutely everything. He’ll be sorely missed.”
Stelling continued: “He was always immaculately prepared, within football he is so well regarded for his knowledge of the game. And can I just say from my point of view that it’s been a privilege to work with Kammy for so long and he’s been a key part of the Soccer Saturday success.
“His warmth, his energy, his humour, his ability to miss red cards. Nobody worked harder and he still will work hard. You’ll still see him on your TV screens, but not on our show.
“He’s a good man, one of the very best. A great friend and I will miss him enormously and I know you will at home as well. Good luck Kammy!”
Soccer Saturday underwent a radical change at the start of last season, when long-term pundits Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas were axed. Stelling had suggested he was going to step down as anchor, before performing a U-turn and confirming he will stay on for at least one more season.
