The 29-year-old striker has been a free agent since leaving Championship side Cardiff City at the end of the season but has now become Neil Warnock's first summer signing.Bothroyd's move marks a return to Rangers for the striker, who was with the club's centre of excellence from the age of nine before moving to Arsenal."I spoke to the manager and he told me how much he wanted me," Bothroyd told the club's official website."He convinced me that this was the right place to be."He told me the direction that he wants to go in and the way he wants to play."I think this club is heading in the right direction and has got a lot of ambition."Warnock is delighted with his first summer signing, telling the club website: "In bringing Jay in, we have managed to secure an excellent player which augers well for the forthcoming campaign."We have been chasing him for a number of weeks and it has been frustrating at times."We have had to have a lot of patience with this but, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait."We are now working hard to add another new face to the squad and we hope to have that done very soon."Rangers have been strongly linked with Blackpool striker DJ Campbell as they look to boost their firepower ready for their return to the Barclays Premier LeagueBothroyd becomes the first full current England international to sign for QPR since Tony Currie in 1979 having played as a second-half substitute in the friendly against France in November 2010.He added: "I want to be playing against the best players in the world."I got a taste of that when I joined up with the England squad, and hopefully I can do well for QPR and get back into the squad."People say that I'm a 'one-cap wonder' and I want to get that second cap to put that to bed."You want to play at the highest level and the only way to do that is by producing for your club week in, week out. That's what I'm looking to do."I'm sure all the lads will welcome me and I can't wait to be involved."QPR's a great club with a lot of history. I was here as a boy when I was nine years old - this was my first club before I went to Arsenal. Twenty years later, I'm back and it's good to be here."Coming back to London played a big part for me too. I can be around my family, which is great."The last time I played in London was six years ago. I can't wait to get going.QPR, founder members of the Premier League, have been tipped for a swift return to the Championship but Bothroyd believes they can defy the doubters with the help of a partisan Loftus Road crowd.He added: "QPR were resilient last season and scored a lot of goals. We've definitely got a chance of staying in the Premier League next year."There are some talented players at the club and I can't see why not."When I came to Loftus Road with Cardiff last season, it was like a cauldron. It was a great atmosphere, very intimidating. We need to carry that on next season."Home form is always key - especially in your first season back in the Premier League. Teams never really know what to expect when they come to Loftus Road."When I came here last year, I got a bit of abuse and the fans made it a bit tough for me. But now hopefully they can get behind me."
No comments:
Post a Comment