Geremi relishing huge challenge at Newcastle

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The 28-year-old Cameroon international became Sam Allardyce's fourth summer signing when he completed his free transfer move from Stamford Bridge.

It was a big decision to leave the double Barclays Premier League champions, but Geremi revealed he was quickly sold on the switch.

He said: "As soon as I heard that Newcastle were interested, I did not have to think for too long.

"I just said yes straight away because it's a big club with huge ambition and amazing fans.

"I have always appreciated the Newcastle fans whenever I have played at St James' Park.

"It was never easy coming here to play and I am more happy to play with the fans behind me.

"The fans are the 12th man and when you see them, they are always there pushing you, which is good for the player."

Geremi, who spent a season on loan with derby rivals Middlesbrough during his time at Real Madrid, followed Mark Viduka, Joey Barton and Rozehnal to St James'.

However, unlike Barton and Rozehnal - Viduka is currently on Asian Cup duty with Australia - he did not make his debut in Tuesday night's 3-1 friendly victory at Hartlepool having only linked up with his new team-mates after their training camp in Austria.

The utility man - he can play either in midfield or at the back - could get his chance at Carlisle on Saturday and will then look to establish himself in Allardyce's plans.

He told the club's official website, www.nufc.co.uk: "Sam called me and told me about the ambition of the club and said he wanted to build a good, new team and I told him I wanted to be part of that.

"It's a big challenge for me and I hope to help the team achieve something because I know Newcastle have not won anything for a lot of years now.

"The manager will decide if I play in midfield or defence, but the most important thing is to be part of the team, and I'm looking forward to that."