Santa Cruz - I'm 100% Rovers

Striker delighted to have signed new contract at Ewood Park

Last updated: 25th August 2008

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Santa Cruz: Happy to stay

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Roque Santa Cruz is happy to have quashed doubts about his future by signing a new Blackburn Rovers contract.

The Paraguayan striker had been linked with several Premier League clubs following his impressive debut campaign at Ewood Park.

Manchester City had a bid rejected and were tipped to make a renewed offer before Santa Cruz signed a new four-year deal ahead of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Hull City.

Santa Cruz had no qualms in committing his future to Rovers and is expecting the transfer speculation to fade away following his decision to stay with Paul Ince's side.

Great news

"I am very happy because we got an agreement with the people from the club," Santa Cruz told Radio Rovers.

"I was also trying to push it so we could get the deal done because people were talking too much about situations which weren't really there.

"So I think that starting this week we can have an easy week now in training, and just enjoy and concentrate on each game.

"I think it is great news for the fans, but also for the players, the gaffer and for me. It wasn't a good thing to get phone calls every day asking me what is happening.

"So for me it is very important that it is all done and now I can just focus now on Blackburn and football, I'm 100% a Blackburn player and I will keep working hard."

Roberts glad

Santa Cruz's strike partner Jason Roberts is also pleased that the former Bayern Munich forward has committed his future to the club.

Roberts said: "I never thought he would leave. He really appreciates what he has here, after being at Bayern Munich and not playing much.

"He's just really enjoying playing and having the support of everyone at the club and the playing staff.

"I'm glad he's signed on and hope there'll be lots more goals for him."