Samba drops Arsenal hint

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has hinted that he would welcome a summer move to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old has been the only bright spot in Balckburn’s another disappointing season and despite signing a new deal in February, the player admits he could leave the club at the end of the season.

“Everybody knows that I am an ambitious player,” Samba was quoted as saying.

“I am at an age now where I want to try to do something. You only have one career and it would be a shame to not make the best of it.

“I am happy at Blackburn but I will study any opportunities that come my way this year. I’m not trying to move away but of course I would look if it is the right thing for me.

“I think a move to Arsenal was very close in January but that is life. You have to continue.

“If it happens, it happens, but it wasn’t meant to be and football is like that. I committed myself to Blackburn and will always do my best.”

Samba drops Arsenal hint

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has hinted that he would welcome a summer move to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old has been the only bright spot in Balckburn’s another disappointing season and despite signing a new deal in February, the player admits he could leave the club at the end of the season.

“Everybody knows that I am an ambitious player,” Samba was quoted as saying.

“I am at an age now where I want to try to do something. You only have one career and it would be a shame to not make the best of it.

“I am happy at Blackburn but I will study any opportunities that come my way this year. I’m not trying to move away but of course I would look if it is the right thing for me.

“I think a move to Arsenal was very close in January but that is life. You have to continue.

“If it happens, it happens, but it wasn’t meant to be and football is like that. I committed myself to Blackburn and will always do my best.”

Leiva: Samba boys moving in ´right direction´

Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva believes coach Mano Menezes’ policy of playing younger players has the squad heading in the right direction.

After the disappointment of their quarter-final exit from the 2010 World Cup, Menezes was chosen to succeed Dunga as Brazil boss in July last year and has set about making his own mark on the side.With several young faces brought in for Sunday’s friendly with Scotland at London’s Emirates Stadium, Liverpool midfielder Leiva, 24, has supported Menezes’ efforts to rebuilding the side before Brazil host the 2014 World Cup.”We have the Copa America in the summer so there’s still a lot of work to do but I think we are going in the right direction,” Leiva said. “He’s trying to give an opportunity for the young players and build a new team for the World Cup in 2014.”"We just have to feature in the next game and the confidence will grow all the time.”As his side prepares for the tussle with Scotland, Leiva was full of praise for another Scot – his Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish – who he said has had a strong impact at the English Premier League outfit since his arrival in January.”Well, everyone can see the atmosphere is very good at the moment,” Leiva said. “The results also are better than before. We know how important he is for the club and for the fans, so we believe that he can do a lot more good.” “We now have just eight games to play and hopefully we can finish well this season and see what happens and think about next season.”

Fri 25 March, 2011

Samba pens new Blackburn deal

Christopher Samba has committed his future to Blackburn Rovers by signing a new deal contracting him to the club until 2015.

Samba, 26, appeared to be set for the exit at Ewood Park after publicly criticising the club’s decision to sack manager Sam Allardyce in December.

But an upturn in the team’s form under new boss Steve Kean and some encouraging player acquisitions have persuaded the Republic of Congo international to reconsider.

“It is a good feeling. We have been in discussions for a little time and I needed a couple of answers,” Samba said.

“But the way we have played and the players the manager has brought in means we are not far off being a top club in the league.”

“I’m in a period of my career where I need to make important choices.”

“I’ve made the choice to take the challenge to try and take the club as high as possible, to maintain that position and to be recognised as one of the top clubs in the country.”

Former Hertha Berlin defender Samba is the latest player to agree a new deal after Blackburn also agreed contract extensions with Ryan Nelson, Michel Salgado and Jason Roberts.

“This is more great news for us,” Kean said.

“Chris is a major part of the picture at Rovers and his form has created a lot of interest from around the football world.”

“The fact that he wants to be part of what we are trying to build here is further evidence of the exciting times that lie ahead.”

Wed 2 February, 2011

Samba pens new Blackburn deal

Christopher Samba has committed his future to Blackburn Rovers by signing a new deal contracting him to the club until 2015.

Samba, 26, appeared to be set for the exit at Ewood Park after publicly criticising the club’s decision to sack manager Sam Allardyce in December.

But an upturn in the team’s form under new boss Steve Kean and some encouraging player acquisitions have persuaded the Republic of Congo international to reconsider.

“It is a good feeling. We have been in discussions for a little time and I needed a couple of answers,” Samba said.

“But the way we have played and the players the manager has brought in means we are not far off being a top club in the league.”

“I’m in a period of my career where I need to make important choices.”

“I’ve made the choice to take the challenge to try and take the club as high as possible, to maintain that position and to be recognised as one of the top clubs in the country.”

Former Hertha Berlin defender Samba is the latest player to agree a new deal after Blackburn also agreed contract extensions with Ryan Nelson, Michel Salgado and Jason Roberts.

“This is more great news for us,” Kean said.

“Chris is a major part of the picture at Rovers and his form has created a lot of interest from around the football world.”

“The fact that he wants to be part of what we are trying to build here is further evidence of the exciting times that lie ahead.”

Wed 2 February, 2011