Football
PA Sport 6y

Queens Park Rangers grant Australia's Massimo Luongo rest before World Cup

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Massimo Luongo will not play again this season as he prepares for the World Cup finals, the club has announced.

The Australia international, who hopes to be included in his country's squad for this summer's tournament in Russia, will miss the final two games of the Championship campaign having reached an agreement with the club.

"After speaking to the manager and club, we have decided to end my season now and for me to recharge in preparation for the WC," he said on Twitter.

"This season has had its ups and downs but would like to thank all the QPR fans for their continued support. See you next season!"

Manager Ian Holloway explained the decision on the club's website, saying: "Mass is set to go to the World Cup with Australia, which is brilliant for him and brilliant for QPR. I can't tell you how proud I'll be to a see a Rangers player playing on the biggest stage of them all in the summer.

"We've had to think a bit long-term with this one because our priority is his health and well-being ahead of next season.

"With that in mind -- and to ensure he is back up and running as quickly as possible in preseason -- we have given him a couple of weeks off to rest up ahead of him meeting up with the Socceroos, which will, in turn, allow us to get him back quicker than normal after the World Cup.

"At the same time, it will allow me to have a look at some of our younger midfielders in the last two matches of the season, so it's a win-win from that point of view."

QPR are currently 16th in the league and, with 53 points, they are safe from relegation.

^ Back to Top ^