QPR snap up Routledge

Routledge: Three-and-a-half year contract

The reason I am here is because the manager showed an unbelievable desire to get me to QPR.

Wayne Routledge
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Queens Park Rangers' busy day of transfer activity has continued with the addition of winger Wayne Routledge for an undisclosed fee from Aston Villa.

R's boss Paolo Sousa had already completed the capture of Heidar Helguson and Gary Borrowdale on permanent deals prior to Routledge penning a three-and-a-half year contract at Loftus Road.

Routledge, who was well down Martin O'Neill's pecking order at Aston Villa, spent the past few month impressing on loan at Championship rivals Cardiff City.

"I'm thrilled to be here," he told the QPR's official website. "QPR are a club with huge ambitions and as soon as they showed their interest in me, I was determined to speak to them.

"It's nice coming back to London, but the geography didn't play a big part in my decision - the reason I am here is because the manager showed an unbelievable desire to get me to QPR and I am delighted to have sealed the move."

Delighted

Sousa was naturally delighted to secure Routledge and hopes the winger brings creativity and goals to his promotion-chasing outfit.

"There were a number of clubs interested in signing him, but we've got our man and I couldn't be happier," explained Sousa.

"He is a young, exciting talent, who is very capable at this level. He's quick, can score and create goals, and will add to the already healthy competition we have in the wide areas."

The Bluebirds had hoped to sign the winger permanently after agreeing a fee with Villa for his services, but the 23-year-old midfielder rejected the opportunity to stay at Ninian Park.

A statement on Cardiff's official website read: We made a substantial offer to Aston Villa for his services and offered a three-and-half year contract that was declined by Wayne."