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.”