• Premier League

Barton not keen on QPR return

ESPN staff
May 14, 2013
Joey Barton is not interested in returning to relegated QPR © PA Photos
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Joey Barton has reiterated his desire to remain at Olympique de Marseille and not return to Queens Park Rangers.

Barton joined the French Ligue 1 side on a season-long loan last summer, and the 30-year-old frequently declared his hope the move could be made permanent even before the West London club were relegated from the Premier League.

Marseille have admitted an interest in keeping the former Manchester City and Newcastle player, but have emphasised the fact they have little say in the matter given the loan agreement does not contain a buy-out clause.

However, with Paris Saint-Germain's defeat of Lyon on Sunday guaranteeing Marseille second place and qualification for the Champions League group stage, the English midfielder is determined to remain at the Stade Velodrome.

"Perhaps we're going to be able to find a solution," Barton told Le Phoceen. "But it's exactly the same, and I don't want to bore you with a situation that has not budged.

"If we have to finish the season and help the team, my personal situation can wait. There's no hurry. Marseille want me, I want to stay.

"It's just that I belong to another club. It's a bizarre situation, but one which will perhaps soon be resolved. The principle condition was direct qualification for the Champions League."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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