Peter Ramage has said leaving Newcastle United was one of the most difficult decisions he has ever had to make.
The 24-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with QPR in the hope of getting regular first-team football.
"I wasn't going to get guaranteed football at Newcastle which was tough to take but in the same breath I understand that."
The defender revealed he did not have to leave the club: "(Kevin Keegan) never took the offer of a contract off the table, he said until I sign somewhere else the offer was there.
"If worst came to worst, I always had Newcastle to fall back on, which I really appreciate."
Ramage played only a few minutes in his last game for the Magpies but he was truly grateful for Keegan's gesture.
"I can't thank him enough, he is a legend up in these parts and all I've ever wanted to do was to play for Kevin Keegan when I was growing up.
"It was a bit emotional on Sunday, leaving and saying goodbye to everyone."
