Let me go, says Geremi

Geremi has become the first Chelsea player this season to demand a move away from Stamford Bridge.

The Cameroon midfielder, who has started just two games since August, hopes to rejoin his former club Middlesbrough.

After Roman Abramovich's takeover in 2003, Geremi was one of the first recruits when he was signed from Real Madrid for £7million.

But his first-team opportunities have been limited since Claudio Ranieri was replaced as Chelsea head coach by Jose Mourinho last summer. In the face of strong competition for places in Chelsea's midfield, Geremi now wants to quit the Premiership leaders in pursuit of first-team football.

The 26-year-old, who spent a loan spell at Middlesbrough two years ago, said: "I am not satisfied at Chelsea because I am not playing. Mourinho is not giving me opportunities and I don't like to be on the bench.

"I would prefer to leave Chelsea if they will give me a transfer - but not to any team. The option of Middlesbrough is excellent because they are a high-level club and I have already played there. I would go there happily if they made me a good offer."

Geremi admits to preferring life under Ranieri, whose constant "tinkering" with team selection meant more chances for squad players.

He said: "Mourinho is a good coach but makes few changes. Ranieri made more rotations than Mourinho. This way the players were more satisfied. I am good enough to play in the Premier League and I have demonstrated it in the last two seasons - but in this one I cannot. I don't regret coming to England because in my time here I have learned a lot. But I want to play."