Leaving Rovers after nine years, Morten Gamst Pedersen did so with a heavy heart - but that wasn’t to say there hadn’t been opportunities to do so before his departure in 2013.

Pedersen revealed Valencia and Juventus both tabled offers for him, as well as the constant links with Manchester United throughout his time in England.

The Norwegian admits his relationship with manager’s Mark Hughes and Sam Allardyce, as well as his love for the club, were all behind his decision to rebuff those moves, despite the obvious attractions that would come with a move.

“You can’t change history,” said the 38-year-old who is now plying his trade in Norway’s third tier.

“I could have gone to Valencia, there was also interest from Juventus when they were in financial trouble. I was asked the question about if I wanted to go there, but they couldn’t pay my full salary.

“If they got promoted, there would be a bonus and everything. It would have been fantastic.

“But you have to make decisions, sometimes very fast. At Blackburn I had a good time with Mark Hughes and Sam Allardyce. We did really well and it was fun to be there.

“The main thing is what you yourself want to do. What’s right for you? If I had left Blackburn for another club, it would have been with a heavy heart.

“There are loads of forces that you will feel dragging you in each direction.”

Pedersen was back at Ewood Park earlier this year to maintain his fitness having become a free agent following his departure from hometown club Tromso.

He spoke at length about his time at the club in a Q&A evening with supporters, recalling his 350 Rovers appearances.

And in an interview with The Athletic he talked about the importance of players making the right decision when it came to moving clubs.

“Some people only go for the money. For me today, I didn’t go for the biggest contract,” he explained.

“When I came to Tromso the first time, I could have gone to other places and earned more money, but I followed my heart.

“It’s important to play. You want to be on the pitch and there is always a risk when you go somewhere that you’re not going to play. Is this where you can develop as a player, where you can give something back?

“If they have got nine right-backs and you are too, and three of them are international players, is this the right place to go for you? Or are you only going to play every fourth match? There are loads of things that you should think about when you move.”