• Premier League

Barton: I only joined QPR for the money

ESPN staff
November 25, 2012
Joey Barton returns from a 12-match ban this weekend © PA Photos
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Joey Barton has ruled out a potential return to QPR after revealing he only joined the London club for the money.

Barton, 30, left Loftus Road in the summer to join French side Marseille and the midfielder insists the appointment of Harry Redknapp as manager will not influence him to pursue a move back to the Premier League.

"When I went to QPR it was a choice dictated by money," he told the Mirror. "I didn't like what I had done and I swore I'd never do that again.

"It was the first time in my life that I had taken a decision for money. I did it because my partner was due to give birth - but I did not feel good about it.

"The more money you have, the more problems you have. When I was in prison I got £7 a week, and that was simpler - you'd use the £7 to buy food and that was it."

Barton will make his Ligue 1 debut against Lille on Sunday after serving out a 12-match ban for a series of indiscretions on the final day of last season.

Marseille coach Elie Baup is set to give Barton a starting spot as a reward for his consistent performances in the Europa League and the 30-year-old is eager to settle into French football.

"I'm in good shape," Barton told the Marseille website. "I've worked really, really hard but it'll take four-to-six games before I'm 100 per cent."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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