Granero puts studies on hold

Granero, a £9 million ($13.85 million) signing from Real Madrid on the penultimate day of the transfer window, had been enrolled at a university in the Spanish capital.

But the 25-year-old midfielder, who is also a keen student of literature, has interrupted the course in order to focus his attention on QPR.

"I only have one or two years left, but now I'm taking a break. I will start in Madrid again after the break," he said.

Granero was highly rated at the Bernabeu but found first-team opportunities limited due to the number of household names in Real's midfield.

Playing second fiddle to Xabi Alonso, the player nicknamed 'El Pirata' because of his curly hair and beard was content to swap the Spanish champion for QPR.

"Real were my club since I was eight so of course it was a big change, but it wasn't that traumatic for me because I was so excited to join QPR," he said.

"I played for three years for Real. Now I'm more mature, I've improved my mind and my football."

Granero made his Premier League debut in the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City 10 days ago and is eager for his next outing.

Fortunately for him it comes against local rival Chelsea, which will field his close friend Juan Mata.

"I like the speed and power of the Premier League," Granero said.

"I'm an aggressive player in a good way and I will mix well with this type of football.

"I like to play against my friends. I have friends here, for example I will play Mata on Saturday.

"I used to play with him in Real's academy. We are friends until two hours before the game."