Scott Parker claims that the lure of Champions League football was never strong enough to tempt him to leave West Ham. The Hammers skipper put an end to speculation surrounding his future by signing a new contract that will tie him to the club until at least the end of the 2013-14 season.
Hammers fans had feared losing their skipper to local rivals Tottenham after they had a £7million bid for the 29-year-old rejected last month.
A move across London to Spurs would have given Parker the opportunity of playing in the Champions League but he insisted yesterday that his love for West Ham is so strong that leaving the east London outfit never crossed his mind.
"With the transfer window there is all this big hype," Parker told www.whufc.com.
"There are obviously times when it is stressful but from the outset I always knew this was where I was going to be.
"The owners came out and spoke last season and I am more than happy here.
"Everyone knows I enjoy playing my football here. I really wanted to stay here, give it a shot and see what can happen."
