Independent Rs Messageboard

[Steve Russell]

Good news from the Club...

'THE club are delighted to announce Jonathan Varane has signed a new long-term contract at MATRADE Loftus Road.

The 23-year-old, who put pen to paper on Wednesday (7th May), enjoyed an excellent debut season in English football
following his arrival from Sporting Gijón last summer.

The Martinique international made 43 appearances in all competitions for the R’s and he is excited to extend his time in
West London.

“I feel very, very happy,” he said. “I think it's a big step for me, signing this new deal. I'm really proud.

“I really enjoy it here. First thing, with my teammates. I think we have a really good group and that has helped me to
perform on the pitch in good days and bad days.

“I love football. It's my passion. When I can play football in a good atmosphere, at a good place like QPR, obviously I
can smile a lot.”

Varane feels he has developed as a player during his year with the R’s – and admits his red card at Blackburn in September
was a real turning point for him.

The midfielder was dismissed in the first half at Ewood Park. After serving a three-match ban, it is widely felt he returned
as a better player having experienced the disappointment.

“The adaptation was not really simple at the beginning,” Varane explained. “A new country, new club, new teammates.
Everything was new and you need to find a house, everything.

“I was aware of the importance to help the team and to directly connect with the group. I think it was not easy at the
beginning but this red card for me was the point where I said to myself, ‘Jonathan, you need to start to show your level,
help the team.’

“Thanks to God, at the same time, I was in Martinique with the national team. I have family and friends there.

“I talked with the people around me and we started really to think about what I can do to be better, what I can do to
help the team.”

Varane produced a series of excellent performances during the campaign, which were appreciated by the R’s fans who
have really taken to him – and the feeling is mutual.

“I love them,” he said.

“They show me a lot of love. I thank everyone for that. I think when you're a player, you need that. It helps you a lot.
When you try to do your best and give everything on the pitch, the fans give you that back and they did it very well.
I have the fans in my heart.”

As Varane looks to the future, his aims are clear.

“In terms of the team, we want to put QPR at the highest level possible,” he said.

“I know, for that, I need to improve. I need to have a bigger objective in my personal plans because if everybody sets
higher standards, we will perhaps, if God wants, be able to put the club where it needs to go.”

CEO Christian Nourry said: “Before I discuss this new contract, I appreciate the end to the season has not been as smooth
as we all would have liked with Martí Cifuentes being placed on gardening leave. I also understand questions fans may have
regarding that decision.

“When we are in a position to communicate on this, we will absolutely do so. Right now, what is important is that we
continue our preparations for 2025/26.

“With that in mind, it is with immense pleasure that we announce that Jona has extended his contract with the football
club.

“Not only does he have the human qualities to be a future leader of the football club, but, as a number 6, his profile is
increasingly rare, being able to combine physicality with high-level ball carrying and technical qualities.

“Jona heads into 2025/26 with eyes wide open about the areas of further improvement that he needs to make with
Kevin (Betsy, Individual Development Coach) and the rest of the coaching staff in order to take the next step.”

[Conor Campbell]

Happy to see Varane secured.

Seeing reports of Paul Smyth being offered improved deal - Would be glad to have his services secured for longer.
Would be no surprise to see offers for him, maybe by one of the clubs going up to premier.

Nardi would be a priority to sort an extended contract for. Got to be clubs sniffing around him. .