Parker: I just couldn't refuse Chelsea's offer

Scott Parker today revealed that the chance of joining Chelsea was too good to refuse.

The 23-year-old England midfielder completed his £10million move from Charlton this morning and will make his Chelsea debut at Blackburn on Sunday. As part of the deal striker Carlton Cole will stay on loan at The Valley for another season.

Parker has angered many at Charlton by doing everything he could to engineer a move to Chelsea, but he hopes Addicks fans will understand his desire to better himself.

He said: "I've heard a lot about loyalty but I was at Charlton for 12 years. I've always given 100 per cent in the last three or four years and have never let anyone down. I hope they can understand my situation.

"In life sometimes opportunities come along that you can't refuse and I couldn't let it slip by be.

"It's like in real life when you get an opportunity to better yourself. It's nothing against Charlton but I couldn't say no. I hope when I go back I get a round of applause because I feel I deserve that.

"I'm very excited about the move and couldn't wait for it to be done. Hopefully, we can push on for honours. It's been well documented that I wanted to come to Chelsea and it wouldn't have been an issue if they were a top-three club. Chelsea are in the top three and are going places and I want to be part of it."

Alan Curbishley condemned Parker's behaviour since Chelsea's original offer, criticising his conduct in training and lack of mental focus, but the player refused to get drawn into a public spat with his former manager.

Parker said: "I didn't like what Alan said and it did hurt, but he's going to be disappointed.

"He's seen me grow from a young boy and saw me as a massive part of his team, but some opportunities you can't refuse.

"I don't want to get into a war of words with Alan. He was superb for me and I can't speak more highly of him. Alan gave me my chance and I am grateful for that. I was there a long time and felt a part of the club but this is a new start. Charlton and the fans have been brilliant to me. I can understand their disappointment but I couldn't turn it down. This move could be good for my England career."

Parker will have his work cut out establishing himself as a first-team regular in a Chelsea squad that contains 15 midfielders, but will go straight into the side to face Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Claudio Ranieri will be without Juan Veron, Damien Duff, Geremi and Joe Cole on Sunday and is hoping that Parker will make an immediate impression.

The Chelsea coach has seen his midfield resources stretched through injury and suspension in recent weeks and has bought Parker for his versatility.

Ranieri said: "Scott knows I am the tinkerman but does not have to worry. It's easy for him now because I do not have many midfielders fit at the moment. I spoke with him a few minutes ago and he will play on Sunday. It's important for him to understand our philosophy and how Chelsea play.

"Scott will give me a lot of options and I hope to give my midfielders a rest. I like to change the system and he can play in every position in midfield. He is like Frank Lampard, up and down, very hard-working and with excellent quality. He can shoot at goal, attack and defend and is an excellent all-round player. I am sure he will go to Euro 2004.

"We're always looking for young champions and Scott is one of them. I believe in him and am very happy. Scott is strong, young and has fantastic quality. We are one big group.

"I like young English players and he has shown some tremendous performances in the last few seasons."

Parker has missed just two Premiership games for Charlton this season, both for disciplinary matters, but has already accepted he will not be guaranteed a first-team place at Stamford Bridge. He is determined to rise to the challenge.

Parker said: "I understand that I won't play as much as I did at Charlton and accept that. I've been in the Premier League for four years and wanted a new challenge. I won't play every game and need to work hard to keep my place. It's going to be hard but it's a challenge for me. Every young player dreams of playing at the highest level.

"The Champions League was very important. A month ago the Champions League was something I watched on television on a Tuesday and Wednesday night, but now it's more realistic.

"I want to be a better player. I progressed a long way at Charlton but didn't know how far I could keep it going. I've taken it to the next level and have a lot of improving to do. I can learn from the manager and all the players."