Adel Taarabt has ended speculation over his future at QPR by signing a new long-term contract at the club.
Now we want to progress and improve, says Morocco international
Adel Taarabt has ended speculation over his future at QPR by signing a new long-term contract at the club.
The 23-year-old had long been linked with a move away from Loftus Road with Paris St Germain believed to be the most likely destination.
The Morocco midfielder had just one year remaining on his deal but has penned a three-year extension to keep him in west London until 2016.
Taarabt, who will wear the No.10 shirt for QPR next season, has revealed his delight at signing a new contract while admitting he did not envisage such a long stay with Rangers.
"When I first arrived here I honestly thought it would just be for a short period but I love this club and the people here have really helped me," he told the club's
official website.
"I had a tough start to the season last year, but I worked hard and have really enjoyed it under (manager) Mark Hughes.
"The club is getting bigger and bigger, and with a new training ground and talk of a new stadium it is very exciting.
"In the time I have been here QPR's ambitions have changed. Last year the aim was to stay in the Premier League. We achieved this and now we want to progress and improve."
Big part
Hughes admits it has not always been a smooth ride for the mercurial Taarabt but acknowledged the hard work the player has put in.
Hughes said: "It is important that we keep good, young players at QPR because that's going to drive what we want to do and Adel is a big part of that.
"There is no question he can produce moments of skill that not many players can.
"And you need those game-changing players who can do something unexpected because that can be the difference between winning and losing in tight games.
"Adel had a period here where it was a little bit difficult for him and the club, but he came through that.
"When I came to the club, in my eyes it was a clean slate for the club and he had a real opportunity to be a part of what we are doing.
"I have seen a real effort from Adel and the quality of his work last year was good, both in an attacking sense and defensively. He has embraced what we are trying to do."
The move represents the latest coup for owner Tony Fernandes, with the Hoops already unveiling plans for a new stadium as well as the signing of Manchester United's Park Ji-sung.
