Bamford Issues Palace Apology  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford has taken to social media to apologise to Crystal Palace after he terminated his year-long loan spell at Selhurst Park.

The 22-year-old announced his intention to return to his parent club after the Eagles' goalless draw with Swansea on Monday after growing frustrated at the lack of opportunities under manager Alan Pardew.

Bamford joined Palace on loan in July and bagged a pre-season hat-trick but has since started only two Capital Cup games and made just six appearances in the Premier League from the bench.

He came on at half-time against the Swans and missed a great chance to score his first goal for Palace when he fired straight at goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from 10 yards out.

After the match he said: "This was my last game for Palace. If I were being honest, it has been terrible. No one wants to sit on the bench and not play.

"It was my decision. The coaches have just found out - I have told them I am going. The gaffer hasn't actually spoken to me. I will go in and say bye now. But I think it will be fine. Shake hands and say it didn't work out. No hard feelings."

Bamford now insists his comments were taken out of context and that far from being "terrible", his time with Palace was "really enjoyable".

He wrote on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon: "My comments after the game at the weekend were taken completely out of context and for that I want to apologise.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Palace, the lads were brilliant, the gaffer and training were great.

"I want to thank the chairman as I couldn't have been at a nicer club, I'm just disappointed I couldn't do more for the team but wish them all the best for the second half of the season and thank the fans for their amazing support every weekend."

Sky Sports News HQ understands there is a clause in the contract that would allow the agreement to be reviewed and Chelsea plan to speak to the player and Palace in January.

Blues manager Guus Hiddink was asked about the situation at his press conference on Wednesday and replied: "The Bamford issue is something the two clubs will discuss."

Bamford was voted Championship Player of the Year last season after helping Middlesbrough reach the play-off final by scoring 17 league goals.

He was linked with a loan move to Swansea for the remainder of the season by the Daily Mail on Wednesday and there have also been suggestions he could return to Boro.