Blackburn defender Chris Samba submits transfer request Samba sparked speculation about his future last week after revealing in an interview that he had grown disaffected at the club, and was subsequently left out of Blackburn's victory over Fulham at the weekend - although manager Steve Kean later insisted the absence was due to an illness. Samba has now made his intention to leave the club clear, however, by formally handing a transfer request. "I have today officially requested a transfer from Blackburn Rovers Football Club," Samba said in a statement. 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 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. Manager Steve Kean had earlier reiterated that Samba will not be allowed to leave, however - despite reported interest from clubs including QPR and Paris St Germain. "He's not for sale, it's as simple as that," Kean told the Lancashire Telegraph. He'll be back in again and hopefully ready for Everton. Samba, who has been linked with Tottenham, QPR and Paris St Germain, missed Saturday's win over Fulham after calling in sick the previous day, leading to speculation about his future.