• Premier League

Taarabt claims Barcelona want him

Kevin Palmer
December 20, 2012
Adel Taarabt's confidence is high after last weekend © Getty Images
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QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt claims he is being coveted by Barcelona ahead of the January transfer window, but the Moroccan insists he is happy at Loftus Road.

Taarabt's two goals handed Harry Redknapp's Rangers their long-awaited first win of the Premier League season against Fulham last Saturday, and his confidence is evidently high as he hinted to a possible attacking partnership with Barca maestro Lionel Messi in 2013.

"I have been told that the president of Anzhi Makhachkala and people from Barcelona have asked about me, but I have just signed a four-year contract with QPR and the chairman Tony Fernandes has told me that he will not sell me," the 23-year-old said in the Daily Mirror.

"I don't know what would happen if someone offered £20 million for me, but I love the club and the fans and they love me too."

Meanwhile, Taarabt has confirmed he wants to make an international return to play for Morocco at next month's African Nations Cup in South Africa.

"Harry Redknapp told me not to go, but I told him, 'Boss, if they call me up, I can't turn them down'," Taarabt said. "I love my country and the Moroccan people, and football means a lot to them. I warned him the only solution would be if the coach does not pick me.

"The coach is not obliged to choose me. It would hurt not to go, but I will be Morocco's No. 1 fan if I'm not there at the Finals."

Taarabt went on to hail Redknapp as a "peerless motivator", as he backed the former Tottenham boss to guide QPR away from the relegation zone.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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