Barton joins QPR

Joey Barton has left Newcastle United to join Queens Park Rangers on a four-year deal.

The midfielder, who was placed on the free transfer list at St James’ Park earlier this month, revealed the ambition at Loftus Road persuaded him to sign for Neil Warnock’s side.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew had previously stated he intended to keep Barton but said the midfielder needed to ‘buy into what the club are doing’.

Having completed his switch to Loftus Road, Barton revealed his first impressions of the club were a factor in his decision, as well as their ambition in the transfer market.

“The ambition of the club really impressed me,” Barton told QPR’s website.

“There’s obviously a great set of lads here already and that’s why they had such a great season in the Championship.”

“The gaffer (Warnock) is talking about adding two or three more bodies and that, combined with the potential of the club and the new owners’ ambitions, bodes really well for the future.”

Warnock was delighted by the capture of Barton, his first signing since Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes’ takeover of the club last week, and dismissed the midfielder’s aggressive reputation.

“We’ve got a very, very good player on our hands,” Warnock said.

“He’s coming here to show people what he can do. He wants to get back into the England team.”

“He’s very enthusiastic. People will say one or two things about him, but they’ve said stuff about me in the past too, so I won’t worry about that.”

“He’s a winner. Even without the armband on, he’s a captain every week.”

“He’s a lot better play than people give him credit for. Hopefully we can harness all his positive characteristics and get the best out of him.”