English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers defender Michel Salgado looks all set to leave the club after he was told by the officials of the club that he does not have a future at the Lancashire club over disagreements during contract talks.
The 36 year old former Spanish international right back joined Rovers back in 2009 when Sam Allardyce was still in charge of the club from Spanish giants Real Madrid. However, with the takeover of the club by the Indian based hatcheries firm Venky’s and the subsequent sacking of the manager and the appointment of Steve Kean for the post saw Salgado’s playing chances get limited to a handful of substitute appearances.
This prompted press reports to suggest that the two had fallen out and the Spanish defender will be sold in the summer of 2011. But that did not happen and Michel Salgado is still warming the bench at Blackburn. According to the latest reports that have emerged, Salgado refused to sign on a new contract that will reduce his pay drastically and this has prompted the board of directors to decide on cutting him loose.
Also in line to leave the club with Salgado is Australia international defender Vince Grella who has not played for the club for the last 4-5 months and Rovers are refusing to pay the medical expenses for a player who might not even return to full fitness. According to the latest reports, Venky’s are looking to cut down on the size of the squad to free up some cash which would be subsequently used to buy new players. But the Blackburn fans are refusing to believe this and believe that the money earned will be pocketed by the owners.
Whatever the situation might be, Michel Salgado looks set to be the player to lead a mass exodus out of Ewood Park.