FORMER Blackburn Rovers captain Chris Samba has been banned from driving after being caught doing more than 130mph on the M65.

A police officer told Blackburn magistrates Samba left him behind “as if I was standing still.”

When asked why he was speeding the Congolese international, who was eventually stopped after slowing to leave the motorway, replied; “I was going home.”

Samba, who now plays for Russian side Anzhi Makjachkala, pleaded guilty in a letter from his solicitors to speeding. He was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £350 with £65 costs. On the day of the incident Samba had played for Blackburn Rovers who were beaten 2-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The court was not provided with details of his income, reputed to be £100,000 a week.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said the police officer was travelling along the M65 Eastbound at 8.15pm on Sunday October 23 when he became aware of a car coming up behind at a very high speed. The BMW X6 passed the officer, who was travelling at 90mph, and quickly moved away. The officer accelerated, reaching his maximum speed, but could not keep pace with Samba.

In a letter his solicitors said any fines would be paid within 28 days.