Mbia - I had to go

New QPR midfielder admits he was reluctant to leave Marseille

New Queens Park Rangers signing Stephane Mbia has revealed he did not want to leave Marseille but was asked to go to reduce the wage bill.

The versatile Cameroon international became QPR's 12th signing of the summer when he arrived at Loftus Road on a two-year contract on deadline day.

Mbia expressed his delight at the switch after putting pen to paper, insisting it had always been a dream to play in the Premier League and that he was excited by QPR's ambition.

However, he has also now admitted that he was reluctant to leave Marseille after three enjoyable seasons with the French club.

The 26-year-old was made to realise that he had no option but to head away from Marseille due to their financial situation.

"I didn't want to go but the owner of the club made me understand I had to leave," Mbia said in The Sun.

"The wage bill had to be reduced and certain players had to go."