Defender, Steve Cook has announced that he will depart Queens Park Rangers at the end of 2025-26 season.
Cook arrived at Loftus Road in August 2023 from Nottingham Forest and has gone on to score five goals in 99 appearances across three seasons, and is likely to make his 100th appearance at home to Swansea City tomorrow evening (21 April).
QPR confirmed that Cook is unlikely to feature in their final two matches of the season against Derby County and Ipswich Town, owing to a club decision to focus on selections involving players involving players who are part of plans for next season and beyond.
“It’s never easy to leave a club, but with the amount of games I’ve managed to play over the three years, I hope I’ve been able to contribute on and off the pitch,” commented the 34-year old who will depart feeling that he has achieved what he was asked to do at the club.
“I feel like I’ve done what I was asked to do when I first joined. I’m pleased with the progress (and) that I’ve managed to help along the way.
“I’ve been fortunate that the players in this group are really good guys. I’ve made some friends for, hopefully, life – and that’s just in the dressing room. With staff as well, I’ve got some really close bonds.
“It’s a credit to the way the club is being run. The owners are fantastic, and the people behind the scenes are really good people.
“Everyone has been amazing to me and it’s nice because it doesn’t happen often in football.”
Cook also acknowledged the supporters’ loyalty and backing as he continued: “The loyalty that the fans have shown the team has been incredible.
“I’ve appreciated the support along the way, It’s really kept us going and, what I will say is if they don’t realise how big a support they give the players, if they can take any words from me, it’s appreciated a lot, and it gets the club and the team over the line.
“I will miss the club a lot, but I’m really, really proud to be leaving with my head held high and with the friendships I’ve made.”
QPR CEO, Christian Nourry paid tribute to Cook for his commitment and passion to helping the club achieve their aims across his three seasons at Loftus Road.
“Steve rapidly fell in love with QPR and the care and diligence with which he conducted himself off and on the field throughout his time here has been an immense benefit to the staff, the players and our fortunes on the pitch.
“Over the last two-and-a-half years, I’ve gotten to know Steve as a person as well as a professional. I can say that this too has been a privilege. His self-awareness, ambition and curiosity mean such that it would be a pleasure to be on the same team together in some capacity again in the future.”