Ken Sema has been praised by the world of football and beyond after giving a live TV interview following Watford’s win over West Brom last night despite having a stammer.

What’s more, English isn’t the first language of the 29-year-old Swede.

Sema has become a true fans’ favourite at Vicarage Road since joining the Hornets from Ostersunds in July 2018, and has played more than 100 times for the club.

Monday’s game with West Brom was broadcast live by Sky Sports, and Sema scored two goals that earned him the Man of the Match award.

 

He was then interviewed live at the side of the pitch by both Sky and Watford’s own TV channel, and put his stammer to one side as he discussed his goals and his return from injury.

Fellow professional Luke Ayling, who plays for Premier League side Leeds United, retweeted the interview with the message “Love to see this”.

Ayling himself has spoken publicly about problems he has with stuttering during interviews.

 

Online sports website Sportbible shared the video with their 2,000,000 followers on Twitter, saying: “This will really help a lot of people. Anyone who suffers with a stammer knows how hard and deflating it can be. Brilliant @Semaken!”

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan, who lost at Vicarage Road last night, was quick to praise Sema’s interviews, tweeting: “In football, as in life, facing up to difficulties makes us stronger. The bravery to tackle challenges inspires a lot of people.”

 

Sky Sports reporter Bianca Westwood tweeted: “All power to you WatfordFC’s Ken Sema. Speaking on camera can be tough enough as it is. Representation matters in all areas. You’ll help so many people & especially young kids by owning it like this. Respect.”

The video of Sema’s interview that Watford FC posted on their official website and social media channels has been viewed more than 2,000,000 times already, while the tweet that contained it has had 2,400,000 views and has been liked more than 4,400 times.

Football fans from all different clubs and countries also joined in with the praise of Sema.

 

Among some of the touching tweets were: "Cannot credit this man enough for coming out and doing interviews with his slight stammer, proper role model."

Another Tweeter said: "Ken has a stammer, but is brave enough to go on national television to do interviews.”

A third added poignantly: "Inspiration for young boys and girls with a speech impediment, that they can achieve anything in life."