Adel Taarabt signs 5-year deal with Benfica

Adel Taarabt is on his way to Portugal after agreeing to a five-year contract with Benfica.

The Portuguese champions confirmed the move Friday, with the Moroccan midfielder expressing the pride he felt upon joining the illustrious club following a frustrating spell with Queens Park Rangers.

"I don’t think it's necessary to explain (why I) chose Benfica. It's a great club that have produced great players over the years, and they were champions last season," Taarabt told the team's website.

"When my manager told me of Benfica, I said I was ready to change because this is a great opportunity for me."

Taarabt joined QPR permanently in 2010 following two loan spells while he was with Tottenham. He enjoyed brief success with the Premier League side before confrontations with management virtually ended his career at Loftus Road, as he was loaned out to Fulham and AC Milan.