Cisse Signs for QPR

QPR have completed the signing of striker Djibril Cisse from Lazio for an undisclosed fee. Cisse held successful talks with Hoops manager Mark Hughes and put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the London club.

The 30-year-old only moved to Italy last summer from Greek side Panathinaikos but failed to recapture his best form and Hughes has acted quickly to bolster his attacking options at Loftus Road.

The Welshman, who took charge of the club at the start of the month, has already added Taye Taiwo, Nedum Onuoha and Samba Diakite to his squad as his bids to lift the club away from the foot of the Premier League.

“I’ve watched him for many years and always been impressed by what he brings to the table,” Hughes told the club’s official website.

Threat

“He’s a huge threat to opposition’s defences. He’s got great pace, power and movement and that’s something we will hopefully benefit from.

“His goal record is there for everyone to see. He’s scored goals wherever he’s played. His record speaks for itself.

“He was desperate to come here once we showed our interest in him and we can’t wait to get the best out of him.”

Speaking of his move to Loftus Road, Cisse added: “QPR have a hugely ambitious project.

“When I talked to the manager, he spoke highly of the club and where he wants to take it over the next few years. He wanted to sign me at Manchester City and now I am finally here with him at QPR.

“He wanted to achieve big things here – that was all I needed to hear from him. I have unfinished business here in England.

Confidence

“The English league is the best in the world. It is the league that suits me the most. I’m really happy here and I can’t wait to repay the club’s confidence in me, to get back to where I want to be as a player.”

Meanwhile, QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands has left the club by mutual consent.

The 32-year-old has made more than 200 appearances for Rangers but is surplus to requirements at Loftus Road and the club have agreed to end his contract early.

A club statement read: “The club would like to thanks Martin for his huge contribution to the club during his time here and wish him every success for the future.”