Santa Cruz set on Rovers exit

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The 27-year-old, currently recuperating after undergoing a surgical procedure on his troublesome right knee last week, told Paraguayan radio he has informed Rovers he wants to move on in the summer.

"I have already told them (Blackburn) and they know that before the transfer window closes I would like to continue my career at a bigger, more ambitious team," he told Radio Nanduti.

He added: "Even though I haven't heard anything, I haven't changed my mind. I think it will be very difficult for me to play again this season because of the recovery. Our last league match is on May 24 and I also need a couple of days for my knee to physically recover."

The former Bayern Munich frontman could, therefore, have played his last match for Blackburn, as he does not intend to take to the field again before he is 100% fit.

Santa Cruz last week underwent an arthroscopy in Germany, which showed "a minor degree of wear and tear". He had the joint washed out but did not require any active surgical procedure.

"I had to clean the zone of the cruciate ligament operation I had three or four years ago because there was some liquid there," he said.

"When I had the tendonitis in the left knee, it made the other leg overwork. That's why it got worse and I needed the surgery.

"Now, it is up to the knee. The recovery time is between four and six weeks and I will not hurry. The most important thing is to play without any problems. I will wait for my knee to be perfect, no matter how long it takes."