No Rovers regret for Villanueva

Carlos Villanueva insists he does not regret his loan move to Blackburn, despite being told the club will not sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old Chile midfielder arrived at Ewood Park on a season-long loan from Audax Italiano last summer, but Rovers are not prepared to sign him for around £5.5m.

Villanueva has failed to impress new boss Sam Allardyce, who took over from Paul Ince earlier this month, but claims he has still benefited from his time in England.

He told La Tercera newspaper: “I am not currently playing. I know they will not use the option to buy me. I’ve been told that since the moment the news came up.

“Everything has been quite difficult to me. I thought I was doing my job well and reality changed suddenly from one day to the next.

“Now, I am thinking positively and waiting for another opportunity.

“I do not regret coming to Blackburn Rovers. I had the chance to experience closely one of the most important leagues in the world. I will be able to tell my grandchildren that I played in England.

“I am happy for the opportunity I’ve had, to have been at the club. It’s extraordinary.”