His departure was always a possibility, but with QPR top-heavy with central defenders, his loss shouldn't be too damaging.
"It is a family rather than football decision" said Nick Blackburn. "He was very happy playing at QPR and had a great relationship with all the staff and especially with the supporters.
"But after speaking to his wife the couple want to raise their child in France. We are very disappointed by this, but his wife was unhappy and this was making him unhappy so we can all understand why he has made this decision."