Defender Mejia looks for way out of Real Madrid

Defender Alvaro Mejia has asked Real Madrid to let him leave during the January transfer window.

"I need to find a way out," the 23-year-old centre back told a news conference on Friday. "I'm in a difficult situation and there are four central defenders ahead of me."

"I'm young, I've got a lot to learn and this situation isn't good for me or the club."

Mejia broke into the first team two years ago and provided regular cover for Ivan Helguera, Francisco Pavon and Walter Samuel.

Although Samuel joined Inter Milan during the close season, Mejia dropped down the pecking order after the 27-million euro ($32.85 million) signing of Spain international Sergio Ramos and Jonathan Woodgate's return to fitness after a long-term thigh injury.

Mejia, who came up through Real's youth ranks, said he was disappointed at the way the club had dealt with the situation.

"At first when Samuel left the club they asked me to stay and fight for a place," he said.

"But the doors were closed to me when Sergio Ramos arrived and Woodgate recovered. I wanted to leave and look for games elsewhere but the club didn't allow it."

"I would have liked to have been treated differently in terms of the fact that I have not received any explanation from any member of the coaching staff."