Footy legend Jason Akermanis hits back after shocking act on SAS Australia saw him branded SOFT – as he makes a confession about why he quit the show

Jason Akermanis has hit back at suggestions he faked an injury to quit reality TV show SAS Australia, insisting he suffered from a painful and long-standing health condition.

Akermanis was branded “soft” after the AFL legend pulled the pin before the end of the first episode of the new season of SAS Australia on Monday night.

The former football superstar joined sporting legends Anthony Mundine, Boyd Cordner, Abbey Holmes, Matthew Mitcham and Peter Bol for the grueling reality show, fronted by SAS-trained officer Anthony Middleton.

Akermanis was buried in the Jordanian desert for 45 minutes before undertaking a task in which he jumped on and off a moving train.

However, the 46-year-old later complained of a toe injury and sought medical attention at base camp.

Jason Akermanis (left, with Anthony Middleton) has been branded ‘soft’ after leaving SAS Australia after just one day, but he insists he suffers from a painful condition called Morton’s neuroma.

Football great complained of swollen toes after grueling first day in Jordan

However, the SAS Australia camp doctor said he saw no signs of swelling or fractures.

Middleton initially rejected Akermanis’ request, telling his fellow officers: “Number three (Akermanis) came to us to tell us he hurt his foot.”

“He sprinted onto the train. I jumped off the train. I sprinted towards myself, then I sprinted. I didn’t see any lameness at all. I think number three is looking for a way out.

He then brought Akermanis in and said, “Let me take a look. You did sprint on the train, you jumped off the train.

The camp doctor agreed with Middleton’s assessment, and when asked for the exact cause of the illness, the Bulldogs great was unable to pinpoint exactly when he contracted the injury.

On Tuesday, the football legend told Sun Herald that he suffers from a painful condition called Morton’s neuroma, which produces thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes.

“I mentioned it but it was deleted and now I have to bear this abuse that I faked it,” he said.

“It feels like a burning sensation and it’s a horrible thing to feel.” These boots were killing my feet. I was up for the fight but to say I pretended is a bit rich.

“I understand with the editing, but it was getting more and more painful.”

The three-time premiership winner later admitted his foot problem wasn’t the only reason he left the show: “I just left, I was mentally cooked as well.”

Akermanis says he talked about the illness he suffers from on the show, but it was deleted

The three-time premiership winner insisted he had nothing to prove to anyone after leaving the show.

After seeing the doctor on the show, the football great was sent back to his campmates, who were shocked to see him packing his things.

Akermanis returned to the construction site where he removed his No. 3 badge and voluntarily walked away from the process.

“You’ve gone soft,” Middleton said.

“I don’t need to go on a journey like this and prove anything to anyone else,” Akermanis said as he walked away.