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SAO PAULO – If you want to talk to Tim Howard about the medical condition that saw him ridiculed in the English tabloids and tormented by rival soccer fans, it is not difficult. You just ask him.

The United States goalkeeper in his third World Cup doesn't mind being asked about Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder he has suffered from since childhood.

In fact, despite it being cruelly used to single him out early in his career he welcomes the inquiry and embraces the condition, proud of having controlled it and determined to raise awareness for the benefit of others afflicted.

He might be the most ideal ambassador for a cause that you can imagine, living proof that those with Tourette's are normal people with the potential to be exceptional. And, with a brush of humor, he dispels the myth that it is simply a condition that makes you swear a lot.

"You know, we don't all curse," smiled Howard, in an exclusive interview with Yahoo Sports. "I do on the field, unfortunately, to get my point across, but it's not because of my condition.

"It's defined as involuntary motor tics, twitches if you like. Some of it is blinking, clearing my throat, different muscle tensing of different body parts. Unfortunately it's misconstrued and portrayed in a comical way, particularly in Hollywood and movies and stuff."

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As the U.S. team's man between the posts, Howard is also the player closest to the national team's growing band of traveling followers, both physically and literally. Heading into the team's World Cup opener against Ghana in the seaside city of Natal on Monday, the touring fans, led by the boisterous, full-volume and riotously entertaining phenomenon that is the American Outlaws supporters group, will be needed more than ever.

Tim Howard speaks with the media in Sao Paulo. (Getty) More

Just like those who root for Howard's English Premier League team Everton, the Outlaws chant a ditty that is conducted to the tune of the Mary Poppins' song "Chim Chim Cher-ee."

"Tim Timiny, Tim Timiny, Tim, Tim Terr-oo. We've got Tim Howard and he says '[expletive] you.' "

The sentiment behind the chant is actually gentle. It is in support of Howard and is perhaps preferable to what opposing fans in England sing to taunt him:

"Swear in a minute, he's going to swear in a minute."

But it is still thousands of people chanting, incorrectly as it turns out, about his condition so millions can hear it on television. It has to bother him, right?

"In that regard, no, because it's endearing," Howard said, without hesitation. "It's people who, for lack of a better term, love me and appreciate what I do. It's kind of like tongue-in-cheek, in that regard, the song that they sing.

"Obviously opposing fans sing a different song, but again that's all a part of professional sports. But in terms of my own fans – being the Everton fans, the U.S. fans – it kind of brings us kind of closer together. So no, I don't have a problem with that."

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The greatest role models are those who shine with patience and by example. Howard has that quality, one he has developed over time and now, at 35, he is a practical and spiritual leader on an inexperienced U.S. team.

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