Samba flees Anzhi for England, without even a goodbye

Estepona (Spain), Jan 31 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Footballer Christopher Samba fled Anzhi Makhachkala’s winter training camp in Spain for England without informing club staff, coach Guus Hiddink said.

The Congolese defender has been heavily linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) before the transfer window shuts Thursday.

“He left for England yesterday. I hope that today or tomorrow we’ll find out what has really happened. It’s a shame to talk about this but he didn’t even say goodbye, he didn’t explain anything to us. Whatever happens to you, you should take into account the people with whom you work,” Hiddink said.

“It’s not a great situation for us. He started the pre-season camps with us but then suddenly in the last few days he started to make contact with England, that’s despite still being on contract with Anzhi.”

On reports about a bid from QPR, Anzhi spokesman Murad Latipov said: “We don’t comment on rumours. All news is posted to our official site.”

Meanwhile, Hiddink said Samba’s exit had forced Anzhi into the transfer market.

“Now we have a new situation. We need to be realistic and see what we can do before the transfer window closes.”

Most European transfer windows close Thursday though for incoming players Anzhi have until Feb 27, when the Russian window closes. But they will have to act fast to register any new players for a Feb 14 Europa League tie with Hannover.

Samba had just returned to training after shaking off a light hip injury. He has played in all 12 of Anzhi’s Europa League games and 17 of the team’s 19 league matches this season. Samba joined Anzhi from Blackburn Rovers a year ago for a reported fee of 12.3 million pounds.