Chris Kamara has said that he feels "saddened" by the sudden death of Wales international manager and former Leeds United teammate Gary Speed.

Yesterday it was confirmed that the 42-year-old had taken his own life at his home in Cheshire.

While tributes around the football and sporting world flooded in for the ex-Newcastle United midfielder, Kamara thinks that Speed will be remembered for his "commitment to football".

"Speedo was a great friend of mine, we played together at Leeds, we've been friends ever since," Kamara told Sky Sports News. " He was a guest on Goals on Sunday just three weeks ago. I can't get my head around what's gone on. I'm confused, I'm baffled, all those things but most of all saddened.

"I know how I feel, so I can't imagine how [his family] feel. You've lost someone who was football through and through. He had a fantastic career, he played for as long as he possibly could.

"He was old school, he played when he was injured. His longevity in the game, not just in the football league but the old first division and the Premier League as it is today is unquestionable."

The 53-year-old has admitted that along with being a model professional, the former Bolton Wanderers player was an "effervescent character".

"His commitment to football, the fact that he was doing such a good job at Wales," he added. "It's hard to get your head round this, [it's] probably one of the saddest days I've had in my life, I have to say.

"I think [we should] remember him best as he was. He was an effervescent character, he loved a giggle. He played the game in the right way, every single manager he played for loved him to bits."

Former teammate Robbie Savage led an emotional tribute to Speed yesterday.