Adel Taarabt: the once masterful apprentice to the art of football.

The magical Moroccan's career is a regretful and deeply painful one to follow. He was to be the next-great magician, a potential heir to the world's best throne. The possibilities of what could have been were endless.

When Neil Warnock - the manager responsible for releasing his brilliance to the world - was sacked, neither Mark Hughes or Harry Redknapp had the same man-management or temperament to get the best out of Taraabt.

In fact, they worsened it and it was clear his QPR career was coming to a close under Redknapp - the manager who had sold him to QPR in 2010. He was released from the West London side in 2015 after 164 appearances. It was a sorrow split with the most talented player Rangers had ever had.

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Taarabt's problems continued when couldn't find a suitable team until the following season with Genoa. In Italy, he performed mildly, with 2 goals and 5 assists - a shadow of his former self.

However, after only two seasons at Genoa, Portuguese giants Benfica decided to take-on the attacking midfielder. Yet again, troubles followed him as he only managed two starts, and seven appearances in all, in the next two campaigns.

The endless rot of a once in a generation talent was being washed away by whatever curse that had gripped onto Taarabt.

Though in the present day, Taarabt could finally be resurrecting his career again. The Moroccan has made five appearances for the Portuguese side this term, including an appearance in the Champions League.

At the age of 30, Taarabt could be on a quest to reignite the flame that blessed the Championship and, on occasions, the Premier League.

Although he will never become the player he was destined to be, there is always hope he can steer his remaining years towards a positive ending.