Two-times Champions League winner Jose Bosingwa has left Chelsea to join QPR. The Portuguese international was out of contract at Chelsea and has elected to join former Chelsea favourite Mark Hughes at Loftus Road after considering a number of offers from across Europe. After a season when he was singled out for particular criticism from TV pundit Alan Hansen, Bosingwa finished the season by leading the celebrations as he won his second Champions League winners medal.
Chelsea decided not to offer Bosingwa a new contract and are continuing their search for a suitable replacement. Bosingwa boasts an impressive record from his club careers at Porto and Chelsea. He also has a Premier League title, three FA Cup victories, four Portuguese titles and a Portuguese Cup. He played 138 times for Porto and 125 times for Chelsea, scoring three goals for each side.
Chelsea signed Bosingwa from Porto in 2008 for £16.3 million. He now becomes Mark Hughes' eighth summer signing as he rebuilds a Rangers side that flirted dangerously with relegation last season. He vowed that a repeat was out of the question and is determined to make QPR into a force to be reckoned with in the next few years. Bosingwa will not be eligible to take part in Saturday’s game against Swansea but a player of his experience is a great boost to the club. He is the third Champions League winner in the revamped squad following the acquisition of Park Ji-sung and Djibril Cisse.
Mark Hughes also recognises the versatility offered by Bosingwa, a trait that he displayed for Chelsea when forced to switch to central defence along with Mikel in the famous semi-final second leg tie against Barcelona. Although right-back is his natural position, he can also operate as a holding player in midfield and he could prove a shrewd capture by the Welshman.
Bosingwa, quoted on QPR’s website said "I'm really pleased to be here. I had the pick of many clubs, but the project here excites me greatly. I played for Chelsea for four years and I love Premier League football and the supporters. It is fantastic for me to stay in England. I'm happy and all of my family are happy, and that is most important.”
Although he had mixed reviews in his time at Stamford Bridge, he will always be part of that famous Champions League victory. I’m sure that all Blues fans wish him well at his new club and look forward to seeing him return to the Bridge later this season.
