Welcome to the Rangers Paul.
From the Club..
'GOALKEEPER Paul Nardi has joined QPR following the expiry of his contract with Belgian
top-flight side Gent.
The 30-year-old stopper began his career in France with Nancy before moving to Monaco in 2014.
He enjoyed loan spells with Stade Rennais and Belgian side Cercle Brugge before completing a permanent
switch to Lorient in 2019.
After three years with the French side, which included promotion to Ligue 1 in his first season, Nardi moved
to Gent and now he is relishing the next chapter of his career.
“I am really excited to discover this new club, this big club,” he said.
“I have followed a lot of the Premier League and the Championship since I was young so when I heard QPR
had a big interest in me, it was an easy choice for me.
Nardi, a former France Under-21 international, believes he has made big strides in recent seasons and is eager
to show his capabilities with the R’s, explaining: “In the last three or four years I feel my goalkeeping is the best
it has been. But now moving to a new division, I have to work a lot every day to be the best.”
Nardi, who made seven appearances in the Europa Conference League during his time with Gent, is also looking
forward to experiencing the atmosphere in W12, adding: “I am so excited to discover Loftus Road.
“I will do my best in my new shirt.”
Head coach Martí Cifuentes said: “Paul is a 'keeper who is at a very good age in terms of the ability to develop while
already performing at a very high level.
“He has already accumulated big experience in two important leagues in Belgium and France. He showed a big desire
to join us and we hope he can contribute with his quality to the way we want to play.”
With a clear style of football at the club, Cifuentes is confident Nardi will fit in well, explaining: “He is an
attack-minded 'keeper. He tends to play high up the pitch so he can help us to cover a high defensive line if needed
because he is aggressive in his positioning.
“He can also help the team in our build-up, so hopefully this will help us to become a better team.”
With the departure of Asmir Begović confirmed earlier today (Thursday), Cifuentes explained: “It is such an important
position so it was a target of ours to get him in early.
“Asmir did a fantastic job last season and when we knew he would not continue, it was important we had a good set
of goalkeepers here. With Joe Walsh, Murphy Mahoney and Matteo Salamon renewing their contracts, this gives us a
good platform for the future, so we are very satisfied.”
CEO Christian Nourry said: “I am delighted we have been able to add Paul to the existing group of goalkeepers at the
football club. Aside from his experience playing in different game models, I have been especially impressed by his hunger
for continuous technical and physical improvement.”
This transfer is subject to a visa and international clearance.
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