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Adel Taarabt has joined Benfica on a five-year deal

Image: Adel Taarabt: The Moroccan has joined Benfica on a five-year deal.

Adel Taarabt has joined Benfica after having his contract with Queens Park Rangers terminated by mutual consent.

Taarabt featured just seven times during a miserable season which saw QPR relegated from the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal with Benfica, who won the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season.

As champions, Benfica will automatically be top seeds in the Champions League group stage draw come the autumn, following changes to UEFA rules.

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The midfielder had two spells away from Loftus Road in 2013-14, spending time on loan with Fulham and AC Milan.

Taarabt was criticised by manager Harry Redknapp in October last year for being "about three stone overweight" and "not fit to play football".

He played five times after Redknapp was replaced as manager by Chris Ramsey in February but was unable to make an impact.

In total, Taarabt scored 34 goals in 164 matches for the Hoops.

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