Joey Barton: 'Queens Park Rangers' ambition impressed me'

Joey Barton has revealed that the ambition showed by Queens Park Rangers tempted him to join on a four-year deal.

The 28-year-old midfielder's future had been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks after Newcastle United confirmed that he is able to leave the club on a free transfer.

Barton passed a medical with Rangers yesterday but insisted that he needed time to decide whether Loftus Road was the right destination for him.

However, the one-capped England international opted to join newly-promoted Rangers and believes that the club has a bright future.

"The ambition of the club really impressed me," Barton told the club's official website.

"There's obviously a great set of lads here already and that's why they had such a great season in the Championship.

"The gaffer is talking about adding two or three more bodies and that, combined with the potential of the club and the new owners' ambitions, bodes really well for the future."

Barton will wear the number 17 shirt.