• Premier League

Samba seals Anzhi switch

ESPN staff
February 24, 2012
Chris Samba has joined Anzhi Makhachkala © Getty Images
Enlarge

Chris Samba has played his last game for Blackburn Rovers after sealing a move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala for an undisclosed fee.

Samba had been expected to leave Rovers in January after handing in a transfer request, but despite being linked with Tottenham and QPR remained at Ewood Park after a move failed to materialise.

However the transfer window in Russia did not close until Friday and the Russian side, who recently appointed Guus Hiddink as their coach, have taken advantage to add Samba to their growing list of stars.

Samba, who in January claimed he wanted a "divorce" from Blackburn, joins Samuel Eto'o and Roberto Carlos at the Dagestan club.

"It is a little club that wants to become a very big one in Russia with a very powerful owner who wants to transform the club and bring the club to greatness," Samba told Sky Sports News. "They prove it by bringing in Eto'o and a good manager like Guus Hiddink and a lot of players are going to come and add to the project."

Blackburn assistant manager Eric Black insisted Rovers would be unaffected by the departure of their former captain.

"He hasn't played for a few weeks and our performances have been exceptional," he said. "Obviously there was a blip at Arsenal, but again, you look at the performances against Newcastle, Fulham and QPR and the guys that have been in there have done exceptionally well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices