'I very quickly went downhill': Casey Stoner opens up on chronic fatigue syndrome battle

Australian MotoGP legend Casey Stoner has opened up on his health issues as he continues to battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

The two-time MotoGP World Champion revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with the debilitating illness, which impacts on sleep, causes profound fatigue and difficulties with memory.

Stoner, who retired from MotoGP in 2012, spoke to Nine's Today, detailing how the disease had affected his way of living.

The 35-year-old revealed he first learned of his battle with the illness after noticing "extreme symptoms" which left him unable to move around the house.

"I started having symptoms of ME/CFS in 2018," Stoner said.

"I very quickly went downhill and started to get some extreme symptoms and struggled to get out of bed and get to the couch.

"Because people can't see it, it's not a physical element that people can see, so people aren't taking it as serious.

"They all just go, 'you're a bit tired, get up'.

"Currently we have no cure. We don't have enough information on things that can help.

"The amount of positive feedback I've had since coming out and telling the public that I have ME/CFS - it's nice to know people are out there willing to help recognise and understand the situation isn't good for people.

"I hope other people out in the world can get support and this is what we're doing."