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Roque's got no regrets at staying with Blackburn Rovers
2:10pm Saturday 4th October 2008
Comments (3)
ROQUE Santa Cruz insists he has no regrets as he bids to come back and haunt his summer suitors at Ewood Park tonight.
Manchester United are believed to have been just one of several Premier League rivals tracking Rovers’ Paraguayan star in the close season, but he still believes his decision to stay at Ewood was correct.
While refusing to name the individual clubs involved in the chase for his signature, Santa Cruz admitted there were a few clubs making enquiries before he pledged his future to Rovers.
FROM BACK PAGE As well as United, it is understood Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City were among the interested parties but he is delighted to remain Rovers’ property.
The new four-year deal he penned at the start of the season has silenced the continuous speculation, leaving him to concentrate on helping fire the Ewood Park outfit up the table.
He said: “I have no regrets. I am very pleased and happy to have signed here and am just looking forward to making a very nice season.
“I think we are back on track having won the last six points and I think that we can get some points at the weekend.
“I wanted to be seen as repaying the faith they have shown me. I think the club has done good for me and that is why I decided to do something for the club when they need me.”
It was his goal-scoring exploits last campaign that led to some of the country’s bigger sides chasing his signature.
After arriving from Bayern Munich for a bargain £3.5million, his 23 goals saw him finish the club’s top scorer and the new terrace hero.
Santa Cruz was on the score sheet the last time United came to town, firing home what looked likely to be the winner in the 21st minute in April.
Carlos Tevez’s late equaliser broke the hosts hearts though, leaving Santa Cruz determined to go one better this time round.
He said: “They are the best team in Europe, not just the best team in the Premier League. It is a very big challenge for us.
“We look forward to it and want to make also a day we can remember nicely. I think if we can play good football and start the game well we have good chances to get the points.
“I scored but it was a draw at the last and I hope that this time I can score again and it to be the winner.”
Your Say YourBlackburn Citizen
Hotspot, Chiswell Green says...
4:54pm Sat 4 Oct 08
Perhaps he ought to speak to Bentley !
ashowopikin, says...
5:47pm Sat 4 Oct 08
SANTA CRUZ: I COULD LEAVE
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Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz believes he will ultimately have to leave Ewood Park if he is to fulfil his ambition to play Champions League football.
The Paraguay international signed a new deal with Rovers earlier this season after attracting bids from Manchester City.
Santa Cruz admitted his ambitions were to play in the Champions League and be with a club who could challenge for the Barclays Premier League title.
Asked if he could do those things at Blackburn, he told Setanta Sports: "Realistically I don't think so. We have different goals in this team than in other teams.
"If I have the chance and some people can give me the opportunity then I think it is a thing to discuss. There might still be time for a move, if something is going to happen, it is going to happen."
However, he indicated his commitment to Rovers in the short term at least when he added: "I decided to stay here because I believe in the team and I believe in the club, especially when they gave me the chance to get back to football."
Roque Santa Cruz
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riono5, Blackburn says...
2:49pm Sat 4 Oct 08
"If I have the chance and some people can give me the opportunity then I think it is a thing to discuss. There might still be time for a move, if something is going to happen, it is going to happen."