New Anzhi signing Christopher Samba says he was priced out of staying in the Premier League by Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers sold Samba to Anzhi on Friday.

Asked about Chelsea rumours, Samba said: "No, at least I was not aware of it. But there were talks with Arsenal and Tottenham.

"I've played in the Premier League for six seasons, and thought time has come to change things. Blackburn's targets did not correspond to my personal ambitions. At the same time, they raised my price so much no one in England was willing to sign me. Anzhi gave me a chance to have a new experience, and I took it."