Adel Taarabt revealed today the lure of Premier League football was the key reason behind his decision to join Fulham, writes Giuseppe Muro.
The 24-year-old Morocco international (right) has agreed a season-long loan which could turn into a permanent move from Championship side Queens Park Rangers if he impresses manager Martin Jol.
“This was a difficult decision but at this stage of my career I feel I need to be playing at the top level,” said Taarabt, who passed a medical yesterday.
“I hope the fans understand my decision and I really hope to return to Loftus Road one day. I wish QPR well for the season and hope they achieve promotion back to where I believe the club belongs.”
Taarabt was sent home from QPR’s pre-season training camp in Devon last month after turning up late for a session and since then he has not played for Harry Redknapp’s side.
Jol, who signed Taarabt when he was Tottenham manager in 2007, said: “He can do a hell of a job for us because he is a tremendous player on the ball. It is like Dimitar Berbatov — sometimes these fantastic talents will be blamed but I hope to find a way to gel him in together with the boys we’ve got.”
Taarabt is Jol’s sixth signing of the summer.