QPR club captain Stefan Johansen departs by mutual agreement
QPR fans Credit: Jason O'Callaghan (ETPhotos)
Queens Park Rangers club captain Stefan Johansen has left the club following the mutual termination of his contract.
The 32-year-old former Norway international first joined QPR on loan from Fulham in January 2021. During the 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship campaign, he played a crucial role, making 21 appearances and netting four times.
In the summer that followed, Johansen's move to Loftus Road was made permanent. The midfielder has since made a further 67 appearances across all competitions for Rangers, scoring an additional four goals.
In an interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Johansen expressed his sentiments about his departure.
He said, “There is no bad blood at all, I have had conversations with the club and I think it’s time to move on. It suits all parties that I am leaving now. I have had a great time but do wish that I could have achieved what I came here to do, which was promotion to the Premier League.”
Johansen also mentioned his positive relationship with Gareth Ainsworth, stating, “From the moment Gareth walked through the door we got on really well. We respect each other and have a strong relationship. He is a great guy and I leave the club with him as a good friend.”
Reflecting on the past two seasons, Johansen said, “We’ve had two strange seasons - we started off so well and then fell away. Obviously you can blame whatever you want; people not performing, injuries, but that’s the facts and that’s something that will forever sit disappointed within me. It’s sad to leave without achieving that.”
Despite not reaching their Premier League ambitions, Johansen said, “Football doesn’t always work how you want it to but it’s been good and I have made some great friends within this club. I can’t thank them enough. QPR will always be in my heart.”
Commenting on his relationship with the fans, he said, “I want to thank the fans because they were so welcoming to me. I can completely understand the fans’ frustrations but they have always been there when we needed them. They are proper supporters and I wish them, Gareth and the club the very best for the future.”
