QPR justify Julio César signing

Queens Park Rangers chief executive Philip Beard has justified the club's signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Julio César, just two months after they had acquired Rob Green.

The 32-year-old left Italian giants Inter Milan this summer to join QPR on a four-year contract, just two months after the Premier League side had signed England goalkeeper Rob Green.

However, Beard has explained that the opportunity to sign the Brazil international was too good to miss and that competition for places is a good thing.

He said: "The club now has two very good goalkeepers, and Mark [Hughes] will decide when each will play.

"It was not something that was in his mind, that Julio César could come to the club this way, but we decided to grab this opportunity.

"The best teams are strong in all positions."

QPR have had another busy transfer window this summer, also signing Stephane Mbia from Marseille and midfielder Granero from Real Madrid, with money seeming to be the afterthought for the big-spending club.

Beard believes that the new-look team puts QPR on another level compared to last season, when they finished just one point above the relegation zone in 17th.

Beard added: "We haven't made the investment of this summer to simply compete at the same level as last season.

"The investment has been made so that we feel we are a club which can compete against, and beat every club we play.

"We all believe that the squad we have now should be able to get stability in the Premier League, not fighting for survival."

César is set to make his debut for the Hoops against Champions League winners Chelsea on September 15, following the international break.

The former Flamengo shot-stopper, who has been capped 64 times by the Seleção, said "this is a really exciting move for me and I can't wait to get going."