Want-away defender Chris Samba has responded to Steve Kean's claims that he is not for sale by handing in a transfer request at Blackburn.

Rovers defender looking to leave Ewood Park

Respect

Want-away defender Chris Samba has responded to Steve Kean's claims that he is not for sale by handing in a transfer request at Blackburn. Rovers boss Kean told reporters on Monday that he considered the centre-half to be part of his long-term plans, with there no intention on the club's part to sanction a sale. He was speaking in the wake of comments made by Samba in which he suggested that it might be time for him to move on after five years at Ewood Park. Blackburn were hoping he could be talked around, with the 27-year-old having announced before that he intended to leave only to then pen fresh terms. Samba is standing by his original comments on this occasion, though, and has informed Rovers of his desire to secure a switch elsewhere.On submitting a transfer request, he said: "I have today officially requested a transfer from Blackburn Rovers Football Club. I have personally informed the owners, manager and executives at the club that I want to leave in this transfer window. "In my five 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."