Santa Cruz hints at leaving Blackburn

Published December 21, 2008

LONDON, Dec 20: Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has admitted that he would consider leaving the Premier League outfit if “a bigger club came in for me” during the January transfer window.

New Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has insisted he wants the 27-year-old Paraguay forward to stay at Ewood Park, but speculation is growing linking him with cash-rich Manchester City, the club of his former boss Mark Hughes.

“Everybody knows my opinion [regarding a possible transfer], I am happy at Blackburn but also I want to keep improving my football and remain ambitious,” Santa Cruz told BBC radio on Friday.

“My contract with Blackburn is clear and for that I need to continue with the club.

“But I am looking to again play in a big side that is in Europe and trying to win their league.

“But, I don’t want to miss the chance of playing with a big side. If a bigger club came in for me then I would like to take that opportunity.”

Cruz penned a new four-year deal with Rovers before the season, but the poor start to the season has re-ignited speculation that he could leave. He has scored just four goals this season compared to 23 times in the last campaign.—AFP

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