The 26-year-old has been an influential figure since arriving at Ewood Park in 2007, yet has been outspoken in recent weeks over his displeasure at the club's new direction. The November takeover of the Venky's Group signalled a new regime at the club, one the Congo international was unsure about being a part of. Despite reservations the popular defender put pen to paper on a new deal, but admits he has no idea how his future will pan out. "It took some work to persuade me. I was close to leaving. It took a lot to make a decision," Samba told the Daily Star. "If good things happen with the club, fine, but I'm still young. I'm staying because I have ambition and the club showed me they have ambition too. "But I don't want to have regrets and only time will tell me if I was right." Samba admitted he was shocked by the exit of well-respected Rovers chairman John Williams, a figure the defender feels will be impossible to replace. One of the final acts of the chairman before departing was to sign Samba to an extended deal until 2015. "It's strange that one day he was doing that and now he's gone," Samba added. "I had no idea he was going. It's quite sad for the club that we have lost a big man, a big figure at the club. "Every time we had a problem, we spoke to John. Every time we had something in our heart, we could speak to John. "But he has gone and it will be a bit empty without him around."
