Chelsea's new star reacts to criticism

CHELSEA'S new €14.6 million signing Scott Parker hit back at Alan Curbishley's criticism and insisted leaving the club he had been with since the age of 11 was his only option to further his career.

"What Alan said wasn't really fair. I wouldn't say I liked what he said and it hurt. I've read what's been written about me and heard what's been said. I've heard disloyalty being mentioned and I can understand that. It all looks so bad on me but, rather than all the negative stuff, I hope the fans can see what I gave to Charlton. What I will say is that when I signed a five-year contract at Charlton, I was promised by the chairman that they'd tell me if a top-three club came in for me. That was the issue."

Parker, who maintained a dignified silence through his transfer rumpus in stark contrast to Louis Saha during his €18.7m move from Fulham to Manchester United, admitted the lure of European action was impossible to resist.

Chelsea face VFB Stuttgart in the knockout stage of the Champions League next month and Parker added: "The Champions League is very important to me. Two months ago, I was watching it on the telly on Tuesday and Wednesday nights but now it's more realistic. Any footballer's dream is to go as high as they can and I feel I'm doing that."

Jose Antonio Reyes insists he will not be weighed down by the pressure and expectation on his shoulders following his multi-million pound move to Arsenal at the age of just 20.

Reyes has joined the Gunners for an initial payment of almost €14.6m, with further payments dependent upon team and individual success that could take the fee well above the club record of €19m for Sylvain Wiltord.

The winger is nevertheless relishing his chance to make an impact on the Premiership, possibly starting in tomorrow's game at home to Manchester City if a one-match ban is not carried over from La Liga.

He declared: "There isn't any special pressure on me, although every player in the world is under a certain type of pressure. I have always heard about Arsenal and the Premier League and I feel that I can fit in here. I know a bit of history about the club, I've found out for myself. What I do know is that it's a sensation."

Tottenham insist they have had no inquiry from Newcastle about the availability of their captain Stephen Carr. Republic of Ireland defender Carr has been linked with a switch to Tyneside during the transfer window but Spurs director of football David Pleat dented that speculation.

"I certainly hope Stephen is interesting Newcastle," he said.

"There has been nothing official at all and all I know is what I have seen in the press. It is completely hypothetical, and if we were to receive a bid then we would react at the time according to what is said."