Parker's delight at move

Scott Parker joined Chelsea in a £10million deal today and insisted it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley said the transfer had "left a bad taste in the mouth" but the 23-year-old, who makes his debut against Blackburn on Sunday, responded: "I don't want to get into a war of words with Alan. I can understand Charlton. I have been there for 12 years, but in life sometimes opportunities come along, and this was a chance I could not let slip by."

The terms of the deal mean Parker will not play in Sunday week's clash against his old side at Stamford Bridge. He said: "It's best I don't play against Charlton. I feel I can become a bit more of a player at Chelsea."

Coach Claudio Ranieri revealed he had been interested in signing Parker, who has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract, for two years. The Italian said: "We are looking for young champions and Scott is one of them. Scott gives me a lot of options."

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was today charged with violent conduct by the FA after an incident in the FA Cup tie at Scarborough.

Team-mate Celestine Babayaro is also in trouble - sent home from the African Nations Cup for indiscipline.