Adel Taarabt will end his rollercoaster six-year spell at Queens Park Rangers on Thursday when he finally leaves Loftus Road to join Portuguese champions Benfica.

The Morocco midfielder will sign for the Lisbon-based club on a permanent deal after he was released as part of QPR’s summer clear-out ahead of their return to the Championship.

Talented Taarabt, 26, has not played for QPR – who finished bottom of the Barclays Premier League this season – since an eight-minute cameo as a substitute against Everton in March.

Adel Taarabt will end his rollercoaster six-year spell at Queens Park Rangers by signing for Benfica

The Morocco midfielder will sign for the Lisbon-based club on a permanent deal after being released

Talented Taarabt, 26, has not played for QPR since an eight-minute cameo against Everton in March

He made a limited number of appearances last season, with injury problems hampering his chances of helping QPR in their relegation battle.

Taarabt spent time on loan at loan at Fulham and AC Milan in recent years and while there was interest from Italian clubs in January, a move did not materialise.

Taarabt spent time on loan at loan at Fulham and AC Milan in recent years and has since fallen out of favour

Taarabt was the heartbeat of QPR’s promotion-winning team and Football League player of the year in 2011

He inspired QPR’s promotion from the Championship in 2011 and was deservedly named Football League player of the year in the process.