Samba has scored 13 goals in his time at Ewood Park

Blackburn centre-back Christopher Samba has signed a new contract that is set to keep him at Ewood Park until 2015.

Samba was quoted in December as saying he was looking to leave, but Rovers boss Steve Kean expressed his desire for the 26-year-old Congolese to stay.

"It is a good feeling. We have been in discussions for a little time, I needed a couple of answers," said Samba.

"But the way we have played and the players brought in means we are not far off being a top club in the league."

Samba joined Blackburn on a free transfer from Hertha Berlin in January 2007 and has since made over 150 appearances.

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"I'm in a period of my career where I need to make important choices," he added.

"I've made the choice to take the challenge to try to take the club as high as possible, to maintain that position and to be recognised as one of the top clubs in the country."

The defender had been linked with a January move to several of Blackburn's Premier League rivals, but Kean is delighted he has opted to remain with the Lancashire outfit.

"This is more great news for us," said the Scot. "The fact that he wants to be part of what we are trying to build here is further evidence of the exciting times that lie ahead.

"Chris is a major part of the picture at Rovers and his form has created a lot of interest from around the football world."

Samba has followed Ryan Nelsen, from whom he took over the captaincy this season, Michel Salgado and Jason Roberts in agreeing extended contracts with the club.

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