QPR snap up Joey Barton on free transfer
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Joey Barton completed a move to Queens Park Rangers from Newcastle United on Friday, penning a four-year contract.
Barton was in the final year of his contract at St James' Park and made available on a free transfer recently after criticizing the club on Twitter.
And the 28-year-old finally signed a highly lucrative four-year contract at QPR on Friday after it became apparent no other club were poised to make a late offer for him.
A fresh start in the capital will allow him to put a disappointing end to his spell at Newcastle behind him, with QPR confident they are heading towards a bright future.
Barton told Sky Sports News: "I have always been on record as being ambitious. I made a statement saying I wouldn't leave Newcastle unless it was for a Champions League club and that was the ambition I had as a player.
"The plans at this club, both for the short-term and the long-term, are incredibly exciting and that's the reason I came.
"I was filled with enthusiasm after speaking to the board and that forced me to contemplate leaving a massive club like Newcastle United."
While relishing the challenge that awaits him at QPR, Barton admits it was difficult to tear himself away from Tyneside.
He added: "It was quite difficult making a transfer. A lot of people think it is cut and dry, but you have got a lot of different things going on.
"Obviously, with my relationship with the Newcastle fans, it was a bit heart-wrenching at times and you are always trying to second guess yourself and try to pre-empt a lot of different outcomes and there were a lot of factors to take into consideration.
"Thankfully, I have reached a decision and have joined a club that are at a pivotal moment in their history and want to do great things in the game. It's nice to be wanted and it's nice to be part of it."
Barton becomes the first signing at QPR since AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club last week.
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| Joey Barton is set to become highest earner in history of QPR Photo: qpr.co.uk |
Barton was in the final year of his contract at St James' Park and made available on a free transfer recently after criticizing the club on Twitter.
And the 28-year-old finally signed a highly lucrative four-year contract at QPR on Friday after it became apparent no other club were poised to make a late offer for him.
A fresh start in the capital will allow him to put a disappointing end to his spell at Newcastle behind him, with QPR confident they are heading towards a bright future.
Barton told Sky Sports News: "I have always been on record as being ambitious. I made a statement saying I wouldn't leave Newcastle unless it was for a Champions League club and that was the ambition I had as a player.
"The plans at this club, both for the short-term and the long-term, are incredibly exciting and that's the reason I came.
"I was filled with enthusiasm after speaking to the board and that forced me to contemplate leaving a massive club like Newcastle United."
While relishing the challenge that awaits him at QPR, Barton admits it was difficult to tear himself away from Tyneside.
He added: "It was quite difficult making a transfer. A lot of people think it is cut and dry, but you have got a lot of different things going on.
"Obviously, with my relationship with the Newcastle fans, it was a bit heart-wrenching at times and you are always trying to second guess yourself and try to pre-empt a lot of different outcomes and there were a lot of factors to take into consideration.
"Thankfully, I have reached a decision and have joined a club that are at a pivotal moment in their history and want to do great things in the game. It's nice to be wanted and it's nice to be part of it."
Barton becomes the first signing at QPR since AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club last week.
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