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Burnley announces signing of Joey Barton

John Marsh / Reuters

Joey Barton has found a club, at long last.

Championship side Burnley announced the signing of the free-agent midfielder on a one-year contract Thursday, ending Barton's search for a new club - which had been ongoing since he was released by QPR at the end of the 2014-15 Premier League season.

(Courtesy: Burnley)

Barton, linked to a host of clubs throughout the summer, apparently impressed Burnley boss Sean Dyche when the two men met to discuss a potential deal, which surely played a role in Thursday's announcement.

"He was very respectful when speaking about our club at the end of last season and during the summer," Dyche said. "We had many conversations and he made it clear he was very interested in what we are about and that coming here was something he would consider."

Yeah, about that ...

Dyche, either unaware or unperturbed by the comment from last year, continued:

"He is player who is in demand and who others think highly of. I know there is other stuff to his life and character, but on the pitch I think everyone speaks well of him and he is certainly someone who I think can get the culture and the understanding of what we do here."

It's that character, however, that has marred the 32-year-old's career. The controversial midfielder has been convicted of assault twice, once poked a teammate in the eye with a cigar butt, and incited a riot during a preseason match - among other infractions.

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