Parker 'I Never Pushed For Chelsea Move'

Last updated : 01 February 2004 By Liam Corbett
The Londoner, who cost Chelsea 10 million pounds, says his case was different to that of Louis Saha, after comparisons were made between the two.

Saha repeatedly spoke out as he attempted to move closer to his eventual £12.825m switch to Manchester United.

The striker apologised as soon as he arrived at Old Trafford - but his sentiments were ignored by Fulham manager Chris Coleman.

Parker kept his mouth shut as his former club and new side haggled over him and, asked if he considered airing his views, insisted: "No, that never really came into my mind.

"It was frustrating and dragged on for a long time but I didn't say anything during the whole three weeks. It's been very tough as you read and hear what people say and what the pundits say.

"It's hard because the only people who know the truth are the people close to me and the people who love me.

"And as long as they know the truth and know where I'm coming from, that's what matters.''

Parker, expected to be pitched into an immediate debut at Ewood Park because of Chelsea's midfield injury crisis, claims that - despite Curbishley's accusation that he stated he never wanted to play for Charlton again - he never considered drastic action to get his dream move from east to west London.

"I never forced the issue,'' he said. "I had my say and I discussed it with my family.

"I'm a professional footballer and I was under contract at Charlton - and so if Alan Curbishley says 'you're not for sale and you'll have to rot in the reserves', that's what I would have done."