Genoa signs Benfica outcast Taarabt

Adel Taarabt, welcome back to top-tier football.

On the heels of banishment to Benfica's B-side after signing with the Portuguese giant in 2015 on a five-year deal, the former Tottenham and QPR standout has joined Genoa.

The Serie A side announced the move Tuesday, with Sky Sports adding that the 27-year-old Moroccan international makes the switch on an 18-month loan.

Genoa marks an Italian return for Taarabt after a decent spell with AC Milan where the Lens academy product made 14 appearances for I Rossoneri, bagging four goals in 2014 while on loan from QPR.

"Genoa was my destiny, I played twice at Marassi and I scored two goals," Taarabt told Sky Sport Italia.

The hype surrounding Taarabt's move to Portugal was palpable after mercurial tenures in London, though the attacking midfielder came up short in failing to make a single first-team appearance during his time at Benfica.

"I missed Italy and now I feel well physically even though it's been a year and a half since I played."

"I want to repay Genoa for believing in me."