English Premiership
Diakite stays on at QPR
2012-06-27 17:47
London - Queens Park Rangers have completed the permanent signing of Mali midfielder Samba Diakite from French side Nancy, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.
Diakite has agreed a four-year deal with the west London club having initially joined on loan last season.
The 23-year-old made nine appearances for Rangers last term, receiving a red card on his debut against Fulham but scoring the winning goal against another London club in Arsenal.
"Samba was a real find for us in January, so we're delighted he's joined us permanently," QPR manager Mark Hughes told the club's website.
"He's a very accomplished footballer and he's made to measure for the Premier League.
"He's got good pace, strength and ability on the ball and he's going to be a great asset for us going forward. There's still so much more to come from him.
"He's only been exposed to the Premier League for a handful of games, so I'm sure he's raring to go and get back into the action again."
Meanwhile a delighted Diakite said: "It's a dream come true to sign this contract. I loved my time here on loan and I couldn't be happier to join QPR on a permanent deal.
"It's a fantastic club to play for and the owners have great plans for the future -- I am just delighted to be part of it.
"This is a really exciting move for me."