Wednesday, 10th April, 2013
Marseille midfielder Joey Barton, on loan from London-based side Queens Park Rangers, insists he won’t be returning to Loftus Road in the summer, adding that an agreement has already been ironed out for him to stay at the Stade Velodrome.
Barton has made a total of 26 appearances for coach Elie Baup this season, his only goal coming during Marseille’s match against Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Barton’s loan is set to end on 30th June, but the former Manchester City and Newcastle man insists he won’t be returning to England.
"It’s not up to QPR if I stay – agreement already in place for me to stay", Barton said on his Twitter account.
The Englishman added that QPR manager Harry Redknapp will not be keen for him to return to Loftus Road, considering the London-based club are facing relagation to the Championship. "I can’t see QPR wanting me on the wage bill in the Championship.
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"QPR was over for me way before the Man City incident. I really hope they stay up. I have all season. Stay up/go down. Harry stays/goes. I don’t want to be part of it. Marseille is my home now", Barton added.
Barton has also hailed Marseille’s role in his career, saying, "All I want to do is give everything for this football club [Marseille]. They backed me when nobody else did. For that I will be eternally grateful. This club is now in my blood, its [sic] impossible to get it out."
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