Nigeria are not in the African Cup, I presume?!
(Shows how closely I follow that!)
QPR Official Site
AC MILAN STAR SIGNSMark Hughes has clinched his first signing as new QPR Manager, with the addition of AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.
The 26 year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has put pen-to-paper on loan deal until the end of the season.
Speaking exclusively to
www.qpr.co.uk, Hughes said: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who is widely regarded as one of the best left-back's in world football, joined AC Milan from Olympique de Marseille this summer, and has made eight appearances in all competitions to date this term, including four in the Champions League.
An expert from dead-ball situations, Taiwo - who will wear the number 34 shirt - has 48 international caps to his name for his native Nigeria.
He said: "It's a new and exciting challenge for me and one I am very much looking forward to.
"I'm very grateful to Mark Hughes for bringing me here. It is always nice for a player when you know the Manager wants you and I will repay his faith in me.
"I can't wait to play for the Club.
"I know only hard work, good performance, dedication, and passion will connect me with the fans but I'm prepared.
"I'm looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm prepared to give my all to the QPR cause."
www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583414,00.html
QPR Official Site
HUGHES: TAIWO SIGNING A COUPPosted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012
Mark Hughes has revealed his delight after finally securing the services of Taye Taiwo - at the third attempt.
Hughes was keen on the Nigerian left-back while managing both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, and he told http://www.qpr.co.uk: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"I actually showed an interest in him while I was at Blackburn, but he was a little bit too expensive at the time.
"He was also on my radar when I was at City, and we had an interest in him again but it didn't happen.
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"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who was a regular during his six-year stint at French giants Marseille before his summer move to AC Milan, has shown a keenness which has impressed Hughes.
"Taye is a very driven guy and his personality and character is very important to me," added the QPR boss.
"He is desperate to play and I think that is one of the main reasons why he is here. He is used to playing week in, week out.
"If you look at his playing record he has played a lot of games since he has been professional.
"It is only this year that he lacked opportunities to play at AC Milan, which is a top, top Club."
And despite this being Taiwo's first spell in English football, Hughes has no reservations about how he will settle on these shores.
"I don't have any concerns about that," he added. "He speaks perfect English as do his children and I am sure they are looking forward to coming here."
Hughes believes his previous keenness on Taiwo may have helped attract the 26 year-old to W12.
"He knew of my interest in him in the past and maybe that was a factor," he added.
"He seems very motivated to come in and do well. He said he wants to show people what he is about."
And R's fans could be in for a treat when it comes to set-pieces, with Taiwo regarded as a dead-ball specialist.
"He is a big powerful guy who likes to take free-kicks," confirmed Hughes. "I am sure we will enjoy him having big run-ups and lashing the ball at goal - hopefully some of them will go in."
www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583076,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
EXCLUSIVE: TAIWO RELISHING PREM CHALLENGENew QPR signing Taye Taiwo is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League - a division he describes as 'the best league in the world.'
The Nigerian international, who has penned a six month loan deal at Loftus Road, spoke exclusively to
www.qpr.co.uk, commenting: "It's a new challenge for me.
"I don't know too much about QPR, but I'm learning a lot already.
"I know the Premier League and it's a very exciting division.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play in this league.
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"Wherever you go in the world, people always talk about the Premier League and it will be nice to play in a country that speaks the same language as me."
The Club expects Taiwo to receive his international clearance in the coming days, once he returns to Italy for his visa tomorrow, but Saturday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea could come too soon for him.
However, the Milan star is fully aware that the Premier League is Rangers' priority between now and the end of the season.
"The Chelsea tie is a big one, but the league matters most.
"We need to stay in this division this season - and that is the objective."
www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583442,00.html
I hear Euses fotsteps already.! 
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