Chris Samba seeks new challenge after handing in transfer request

Blackburn captain Chris Samba insists his loyalty to the club cannot be questioned, but feels now is the time for a new challenge.

The centre-back, who last February signed a new contract, handed in a transfer request yesterday.

Samba has been linked with many clubs in the past and in the last month it has been suggested the likes of Paris Saint Germain, Tottenham and QPR are keen on signing the 27-year-old. The latter are believed to have had two bids turned down on Thursday.

The defender claims he could have left Ewood Park in the past, but now feels the time is right to move on and does not think that decision should be held against him.

"In my five years at Blackburn Rovers Football Club I have always given 100% in every game I have played," he said in a statement.

"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."

The defender's decision to make an official request to leave came as no surprise after he gave an interview to French newspaper L'Equipe saying the club, who have been struggling near the bottom of the Barclays Premier League all season, "doesn't evolve at all", that "things have not gone as I was told" and he felt it was "time for a
change".

Manager Steve Kean has stressed Samba is not for sale, but the player's transfer request may force his hand.

The Scot has enough issues to deal with, including a relegation battle and fans' protests, without having to tackle the prospect of dressing room unrest.

At the weekend Kean insisted Samba had withdrawn from the Rovers squad to face Fulham with illness, admitting he had not spoken to the player about
his comments to L'Equipe.

After victory over the Cottagers he spoke of his hope the defender would be available to face Everton this weekend, but that seems highly unlikely with Samba angling for a move within the
next fortnight.

"I have personally informed the owners, manager and executives at the club that I want to leave in this transfer window," the Congolese defender said.