Leon Balogun joins Queens Park Rangers

 

Leon Balogun has agreed a one-year deal at Loftus Road following his departure from Glasgow Rangers at the end of last season.

Balogun, 34, worked with QPR head coach Mick Beale at Ibrox and he is excited to be teaming up with him once again.

“It is a big relief to know I can get back to action and I am looking forward to it,” he said. “We have been speaking for some weeks so I am happy we got it done.

“The manager is one of the main factors for me. When he left Rangers I messaged him and said in terms of a football brain he is one of the best I have worked with.”

During their time together north of the border, Rangers won the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 10 years, ending their league campaign undefeated with a club record 102 points.

“He is obsessed with football and what I always admire about him is the way he treated the players, and the way he got ideas into your mind,” Balogun added.

“I am more than delighted to work with him again and to be part of this project here, and hopefully leave a great mark.”

Balogun is looking forward to returning to England. Describing himself as a player, he explained: “I am quite aggressive, I am a fighter and I think I can read the game quite well.

“Overall, loads comes from my mentality and work ethic – never to give up and really work hard for the things you strive for.”

Balogun hasn’t played since leaving Rangers at the end of last season but he is confident he can get up to speed quickly as he looks to get his career in W12 up and running.

“I have managed to keep myself fit,” he said. “I haven’t been able to have team training so that is what I will try to catch up with as quickly as possible.

“The foundation of my fitness is there so it really shouldn’t take me long.”