Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara opens up on dad’s difficult upbringing after revealing he was offered call-up by AFCON side

SKY SPORTS legend Chris Kamara has revealed his dad's tough upbringing in Sierra Leone... a country he could have represented during his playing career.

The broadcasting legend, 66, was born in Middlesbrough to a Sierra Leonean father, Alimamy Kindo Kamara, on Christmas Day in 1957.

And he discussed his father's early experiences when responding to an appeal from the charity on social media.

He tweeted: "My Dad left Freetown Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 in 1945! He managed to escape the mud hut that was home & the poverty his family were experiencing.

"In 2023 things have hardly changed 🙈."

Kamara's comments come after he revealed last year that he was offered the opportunity to play for Sierra Leone.

However, he turned it down as England boss Sir Bobby Robson hinted at a possible Three Lions call-up which never came.

In January 2022, Kamara tweeted: "Watching my dad's country Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 play Algeria 🇩🇿 in today’s African Nations Cup.

"Had the chance over the years to play for them but Bobby Robson told me to me to wait by the phone ☎️ 😂🤣 .

"It’s still not rung must have the wrong number for me 😂🤣."

Kamara left his role on Sky Sports in 2022 after struggling with his voice.

He explained how he felt like a "fraud" following his apraxia of speech diagnosis.

The ex-Swindon and Brentford midfielder has continued with some of his media work as the host of ITV's Ninja Warrior UK and co-host of the  with Ben Shephard.

He also gave an emotional appearance on Britain Get Singing on Christmas Eve.