Outcast Jokanovic says sorry

Chelsea reject Slavisa Jokanovic today apologised to the club's supporters for some of his performances at Stamford Bridge.

The Yugoslav international has been released on a free transfer by coach Claudio Ranieri after coming to the end of his two-year contract on 30 June. He is now being linked with a move to Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.

The 33-year-old was notoriously unpopular with Chelsea fans and was regularly barracked whenever he came on the field, most notably as a substitute during the club's FA Cup semi-final against Fulham in April.

But, despite the abuse he had to withstand, he says he understands why the fans got angry with him.

He said: "I know that in some games the supporters weren't very happy with me, but every time I pulled on the Chelsea shirt I tried to do well.

"That was all I could do and I know if I look myself in the mirror I can say I always tried my best.

"I understand that sometimes that wasn't good enough for the supporters and for that I'm sorry, but I always tried. It's true I was a regular and played a lot of games last season, but I know I played well in some matches and not so well in others. I was too inconsistent. The fans must know I tried to play well every time I played."

Jokanovic, Ranieri's first signing in October 2000 for £1.7 million from Deportivo La Coruna, also says that he feels no bitterness towards the Italian for not giving him a new contract.

He added: "My contract finished and now I'm looking for another club. I'd have been very happy if I had stayed at Chelsea, but I am 33-years-old and the club is looking for younger players.

"I am not disappointed at how things have worked out.

"I had a happy two years at Chelsea and now I'm looking for something different."