'I say goodbye with a heart full of gratitude'

Former QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes says he leaves the club with a "heart full of gratitude".

The 42-year-old left the club on Tuesday after 20 months at Loftus Road and has been replaced by Julien Stephan.

Cifuentes guided the Rs to a 15th-placed finish this season but was put on gardening leave after their penultimate game, a 5-0 thrashing at home against Burnley in April.

In an open letter to fans, the Spaniard said he had felt the fans' "passion and unconditional support" from his first day in the role.

"Today I say goodbye to Queens Park Rangers with a heart full of gratitude," he said in a post on the club's X page.

"I arrived at Loftus Road at a difficult time with a huge challenge ahead. And yet, from day one I felt the fans' passion, unconditional love and, above all, love for this very special club.

"Thank you for your energy every matchday. Your voice and your faith have always been a source of inspiration.

"I am proud to have been part of this club and to have contributed, alongside a fantastic team of players and coaching staff, to ensuring the club's continued presence in the Championship over the last few seasons.

"It wasn't always easy but we did it the way great things are achieved: with honesty, hard work and togetherness.

"We saw the development of many young players and we saw some amazing nights under the lights at Loftus Road - Stan Bowles being one that sticks with me.

"Although my journey now continues in a different direction, I wish the club's dedicated board, all the staff and players across every age group the best for the future."