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.