LONDON, England (AFP) — QPR manager Mark Hughes signed former Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa on a free transfer yesterday.

Bosingwa was released by the Blues at the end of last season after helping the club win the Champions League and FA Cup, but the Portugal right-back has made a quick return to west London with Hughes’s side.

Hughes had earlier confirmed QPR were in talks with Bosingwa and the 29-year-old has now signed a three-year contract with the Loftus Road outfit.

“I am delighted to bring a player of his undoubted quality to the club,” Hughes told the club’s website. “He has got plenty of pace, great technical ability and all the attributes you need to be a top player.

“Jose has a lot of versatility which is something I like my players to have. He can operate right across the back and can also play the holding role in midfield.”

Bosingwa joined Chelsea for 16 million, four years ago and went on to win the Champions League, the Premier League and three FA Cups.

He had previously been part of Porto’s 2004 Champions Leaguewinning squad and Hughes believes signing Bosingwa shows how the club is progressing.

“He’s another Champions League winner, the third in the squad now with Park Ji-sung and Djibril Cisse, and will add invaluable experience to the group,” Hughes added.

“His experience is really important to us. He understands the Premier League and he understands what it takes to win games. He has got a winning mentality and that is what I want to have around the place.”