The AFC Asian Cup’s player of the tournament had offers on the table from all three but felt the love more from the London club where he has re-united with three of his greatest mentors in football ... coach Chris Ramsey, football director Les Ferdinand and long-time confidant turned Rangers scout David Magrone.
“It wasn’t a hard choice in the end and I was really surprised it happened so quickly,” said Luongo, who was forced out of Australia’s squad for its opening FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan on 17 June (AEST) with an ankle injury.
“I got a phone call just a couple of days after we (Swindon) lost our League One playoff final against Preston saying I needed to be at QPR if I wanted to talk about joining them and I really didn’t hesitate.
“They were dead keen to get me and their interest just seemed the strongest. With that in mind I just thought it would be the best place to go because playing each week is obviously my top priority.
“Chris Ramsey and Les Ferdinand are looking at adopting a new way of playing next season and they told me that I had a head start after my time with them in the Under-21s at Tottenham.
“I worked closely with them at Spurs (where Luongo skippered the under-21s) and they have always followed me and supported me during my career.
“They always trusted me to play and lead the team there and showed faith in my ability. When they came calling it was sort of like a reunion. It was nice to know they had kept their tabs on me."
While the lure of West Brom and Villa was also strong - Villa is coached by another former Tottenham mentor in Tim Sherwood – Luongo added: “Joining QPR is probably my best chance to play regularly, assuming that I impress and give them a reason to pick me.
“With the players and resources they have at West Brom and Villa, they could probably afford to build a bigger squad and maybe opportunities may have been limited.
"So, realistically my best chance of playing every week was with QPR. What they want to do with the club and me was pretty good to hear, and I jumped on board with that."
Luongo said that while QPR will do its upmost to bounce straight back to the Premier league the club is also building with a longer term vision in mind.
“The feeling seems to be about building a good foundation from the bottom up, so that when they do come up – whether it’s the first or second year – once they do it will be easier for them to stay there and not have to fight and struggle.
“They don’t want to try and force the promotion only to find themselves battling again the next season because that’s been the theme of things in the past.”
Luongo believes there will plenty more to come from him, and that the Premier League will be his next stop – preferably with QPR.
“I always want to improve and the best way for me to do that is to play more games. I think going to QPR will be a big stepping stone in my development," he added.
Luongo is still smarting at missing out on Socceroos’ action this month as he continues to have treatment on a troublesome ankle ligament injury.
“It’s just a matter of recuperating and having a good rest in the summer to get it right for the pre-season” he added.
“I did the injury a while ago and it’s a case of strengthening it up now, so I am back in peak condition for next season. I'm hoping it's going to be a big one for me and also QPR."
