

Monday, 26th November, 2012

Joey Barton has revealed he mainly joined QPR for financial gain – and more money just brought him more problems.

The 30-year-old is currently on a season-long loan from QPR to French giants Marseille, although he only managed to clock up his first Ligue 1 appearance for Elie Baup’s men last night against Lille, with a 12-match ban picked up in England having followed him to France.







Barton has been able to play in the Europa League for his new club, but got his first taste of league action as Marseille beat Rudi Garcia’s men 1-0.

He joined QPR in August 2011, and has admitted the switch was mostly about the money.

"When I went to QPR, it was a choice dictated by money", the tough-tackling midfielder told French sports daily L’Equipe.

"It was the first time I had taken a decision on those grounds.

"The more money you have, the more you have problems."

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And Barton insisted life was simpler in prison, where he was sent after being found guilty of common assault and affray in 2008, with 77 days served.

"When I went to prison, I received €8.60 per week and it was much simpler.

"You used the money to eat and that was it."

Marseille may want Barton to make good on his views of less money equalling a simpler life as, if the French side wish to keep him on a permanent basis, they are unlikely to be able to afford to pay the wages he picks up at QPR.

Barton has insisted he is loving life at the Stade Velodrome. Now he can look forward to making an impact in Ligue 1.

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