Barton '100%' committed to QPR despite Marseille talk

The midfielder says that he would rather help his current employers bounce back from relegation from the Premier League than go back to the Stade Velodrome

Joey Barton has played down rumours of a possible return to Marseille and confirmed his commitment to QPR.

L'OM president Vincent Labrune had told The Independent that the midfielder's agent had contacted the French club to offer them the player's services next season, given his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

Barton spent 2012-13 on loan at Marseille from the Rs but on Friday he spoke out on Twitter, saying: "I have 100 per cent focus on QPR and always will until told otherwise.

"First I've heard of a conversation between President Labrune and my agent today. Never had a clue that it happened till I read it today."

He added: "When the time is right we will sit down and discuss the future.

"I am still of the belief that if you're part of a team that goes down. You should try to help them back up but that decision is not mine.

"We have two games left to play this season and it's important we respond to abject performance in the right manner."