CHRISTOPHER SAMBA HAS handed in a transfer request at Blackburn Rovers, after manager Steve Kean said that the defender would not be sold this January.
The 27-year-old has threatened to leave in the past, only to sign fresh terms, but now says that he wishes to ‘pursue a new challenge.’
Rovers captain Samba has been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and QPR in the past, with Mark Hughes known to be a fan of the giant stopper.
“I have today officially requested a transfer from Blackburn Rovers Football Club,” Samba said in a statement.
“I have personally informed the owners, manager and executives at the club that I want to leave in this transfer window.
“In my 5 years at Blackburn Rovers Football Club I have always given 100 per cent in every game I have played. I have had several opportunities to leave but I have always stayed.
“I have decided now is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge and I have asked the club to respect my decision and allow me to leave. I thank the fans for their support and I hope they feel I have served them and their club well.”
samba a true pro