Former Chelsea star Geremi Sorele Njitap Fotso has filed for divorce from his wife of 12 years, Laure Fotso, citing paternity fraud. The 45-year-old midfielder, celebrated for his remarkable career in football, disclosed in court documents that the twins he believed to be his children were actually conceived by Laure's previous husband, sending shockwaves through their native Cameroon.

Geremi accused Laure of “destroying the harmony” of their marriage through her “deceitful actions.” He criticised her "abject behavior" and cited her "repeated lies" as compelling evidence of her betrayal. According to Geremi, the twins, born in June 2008, prompted their marriage. However, the revelation of their true parentage shattered the foundation of their relationship, leaving Geremi “emotionally devastated” and “psychologically scarred” by his wife's actions.

Court documents further emphasise the gravity of the situation, with the footballer stating, "No children have been born from this union... [and] the discovery that the children were from her previous partner destroyed the couple’s harmony." Geremi described this revelation, which emerged following a paternity test, as a "serious and renewed violation of the duties and obligations of marriage."

Geremi's family background adds more complexity to his personal saga. His father, Samuel, a former footballer and Cameroon international in the 1970s, was renowned for his prowess on the field, earning the moniker "Poison Arrow" for his powerful shots and free-kicks. Geremi’s upbringing with 17 siblings in Cameroon, as a result of his father having five wives, adds a rich layer to his story.

On the professional front, Geremi's football career is marked by several significant achievements. With 118 caps for Cameroon from 1996 to 2010, he played a pivotal role in their triumphs, including victories in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, two World Cup appearances in 2002 and 2010, and a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics. His tenure at Chelsea, where he made 109 appearances between 2003 and 2007, showcased his talent and exemplified his contribution to the sport.

In his final year at Chelsea, Geremi scored the winning goal in a home match against West Ham United and made his last appearance in a Chelsea shirt against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final. He was brought on as an extra-time substitute, but his penalty was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, with Chelsea losing the match. During his time at Chelsea, the club won the Premier League in both 2004–05 and 2005–06.

Towards the end of his career at Chelsea, manager José Mourinho valued Geremi highly. In an interview, Mourinho praised Geremi's versatility and team spirit, emphasizing his readiness to help the team in any role required.

Before his stint at Chelsea, Geremi showcased his skills at Real Madrid from 1999 to 2003, where he was nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2000. His popularity among fans and players was evident, with coach Vicente del Bosque highlighting his role in uniting the team.

Geremi also played for Middlesbrough on a season-long loan from Real Madrid during the 2002–03 season, and he spent two seasons in Turkey with Gençlerbirliği, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable midfielder. By 2007, he had signed for Newcastle United on a three-year deal, where he was appointed club captain for the 2007–08 season by then-manager Sam Allardyce.

Since retiring in 2011, Geremi has been active with FIFPro, the football players’ union, and has expressed his aspiration to become a manager. Additionally, he contributes to a column on African football, showcasing his continued engagement and passion for the sport. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Turkish, Geremi's post-retirement endeavours reflect his diverse talents and interests.

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