QPR boss Cifuentes has his say on Willock and Begovic departures
QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes has paid tribute to Chris Willock and Asmir Begovic after both left the club following the expiration of their contracts.
Willock was one of Rangers’ key attacking threats during the early part of his four-year stay at Loftus Road before a succession of injuries limited his influence.
The 26-year-old has signed for fellow Championship side Cardiff City after the club was unable to agree terms on an extension with the player.
“We need to be grateful and happy for the contribution of Chrissy at QPR over the last couple of years,” said the Rangers boss.
“Obviously he had a good impact. When I came [in as head coach in October 2023], he was not in a good moment, but he helped us and we helped each other to try and achieve what we wanted.
“Now it is his decision to find something else and that is something we respect.
“At the same time it is very important we find the right players that really want to play for QPR.
“In that sense, we are only grateful for his contribution. [He is a] great lad and I wish him all the best in Cardiff.”
Also among nine players to leave QPR at the end of their contract was last season’s captain Asmir Begovic.
The experienced goalkeeper featured in all but one of Rangers’ Championship fixtures last terms but could not come to an agreement with the club to extend his stay.
French goalkeeper Paul Nardi has since been signed after he left Belgian club Gent at the end of last season.
“It’s always hard to see players leave when they have been important, when they have contributed to achieving something good. Especially when they are such good professionals and role models as Asmir is,” said Cifuentes.
“He had a fantastic season for us, helping a lot through his leadership as well.
“It seems that it was not possible to continue and then we signed a very good ‘keeper instead.
“I think this is part of football. It is part of the process and we are definitely grateful for his contribution.”
PICTURE: PA