' Michael Chopra to play in the ISL '

Chopra to play in the ISL
Saturday 16th August 2014




Michael Chopra to play in the inaugural Indian Super League.

Former Newcastle and Sunderland striker Michael Chopra says he will relinquish British citizenship to play for India after it was announced he would play in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL).

The Newcastle academy product has scored 114 goals in his career in England and has featured for clubs including Sunderland, Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Watford and Ipswich.

Released by Blackpool this summer, Chopra - whose father is Indian - insists he cannot wait to begin a new chapter in his career.

"It's an amazing feeling and I am very excited and privileged to be part of this fantastic opportunity to develop football in India," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

“After playing in England for 12,13 years now I'm ready for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Indian Super League and getting into the I League after that.

“In the future I'd like to open up academies and hopefully one day represent India which has been a dream of mine for some time. My desire to play for India is well known and now I must do all I can to prove my ability and show fans that I'm worthy.

“I'd have to give my British passport up to do so but I want to fulfil my career and in years to come I want to tell my son that I was a part of all of this.”

The 30-year-old will take part in Thursday's ISL draft for the eight team inter-city league which is the brainchild of the All India Football Federation and its marketing partner IMG.

Andy Knee, vice-president of business development at IMG football, said: “We're thrilled that he's signed to participate in the Hero Indian Super League, and look forward to seeing him in action for the very first time on Indian soil."

Ajay K Mahan from Michael’s agency SME added: “This opportunity realises Michael’s goal to progress his football career and to reunite him with his Indian heritage which has been a desire of his for a few years.”

World Cup winners and European champions Robert Pires and David Trezeguet, and Champions League winner Luis Garcia, are among the marquee names that will play in the league which begins October 12.

European sides Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina and Feyenoord have all signed strategic partnerships with Super League clubs while Bollywood actors Salman Khan, Ranbhir Kapoor and John Abraham are team co-owners.

Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly are also among the co-owners of different franchises in the ISL which Chopra hopes will help the league mirror the success of the IPL.

“The Indian Premier League cricket is on Sky (next year) and is really big,” he added. "While the sport has become increasingly popular all over the world the ISL will put Indian football on the map. The Super League is only just kicking off so I think in years to come it will turn out to be a bit like the IPL.

“I think people will start following football more, watch it more and start wanting to play it more."

Asian Football Awards founder and football agent Baljit Rihal from Inventive Sports added: “I have worked closely with the SME Group and IMG to ensure that Michael is part of what we believe is a poignant moment in the history of Indian football.”

Chopra to play in the ISL
Saturday 16th August 2014




Michael Chopra to play in the inaugural Indian Super League.

Former Newcastle and Sunderland striker Michael Chopra says he will relinquish British citizenship to play for India after it was announced he would play in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL).

The Newcastle academy product has scored 114 goals in his career in England and has featured for clubs including Sunderland, Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Watford and Ipswich.

Released by Blackpool this summer, Chopra - whose father is Indian - insists he cannot wait to begin a new chapter in his career.

"It's an amazing feeling and I am very excited and privileged to be part of this fantastic opportunity to develop football in India," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

“After playing in England for 12,13 years now I'm ready for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Indian Super League and getting into the I League after that.

“In the future I'd like to open up academies and hopefully one day represent India which has been a dream of mine for some time. My desire to play for India is well known and now I must do all I can to prove my ability and show fans that I'm worthy.

“I'd have to give my British passport up to do so but I want to fulfil my career and in years to come I want to tell my son that I was a part of all of this.”

The 30-year-old will take part in Thursday's ISL draft for the eight team inter-city league which is the brainchild of the All India Football Federation and its marketing partner IMG.

Andy Knee, vice-president of business development at IMG football, said: “We're thrilled that he's signed to participate in the Hero Indian Super League, and look forward to seeing him in action for the very first time on Indian soil."

Ajay K Mahan from Michael’s agency SME added: “This opportunity realises Michael’s goal to progress his football career and to reunite him with his Indian heritage which has been a desire of his for a few years.”

World Cup winners and European champions Robert Pires and David Trezeguet, and Champions League winner Luis Garcia, are among the marquee names that will play in the league which begins October 12.

European sides Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina and Feyenoord have all signed strategic partnerships with Super League clubs while Bollywood actors Salman Khan, Ranbhir Kapoor and John Abraham are team co-owners.

Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly are also among the co-owners of different franchises in the ISL which Chopra hopes will help the league mirror the success of the IPL.

“The Indian Premier League cricket is on Sky (next year) and is really big,” he added. "While the sport has become increasingly popular all over the world the ISL will put Indian football on the map. The Super League is only just kicking off so I think in years to come it will turn out to be a bit like the IPL.

“I think people will start following football more, watch it more and start wanting to play it more."

Asian Football Awards founder and football agent Baljit Rihal from Inventive Sports added: “I have worked closely with the SME Group and IMG to ensure that Michael is part of what we believe is a poignant moment in the history of Indian football.”

I think he may get home sick, are there many betting shops in India ????

Denial stage of career is kicking in lol. Leaving it slightly late chops?
if he stops drinking gambling and eating curry's
he could have 5-6 seasons, hes probably the best finisher they have that may bide him an extra year or two if he wants to keep playing for india.
5-7 years is a long time, id like to think he has years left at his best if hes not already past it

I'm willing to bet he'll be a big success!

Chops will be just willing to bet.

Oh Goodness gracias me

Serious and non-casual racist post alert.

I think it's great for him if he goes there and raises the profile of Indian Football. That region is one of the most highly populated in the World and the economy is growing mega fast. It would be great if India could joining the World stage in football as they are football mad as fans. I would love to see India in a World Cup one day.

As for Chops. He was once a hero for us. Sounds like he's squandered a lot of dollar. The marketing possibilities for him out there would be very good for him, so hopefully he can get rich again and get his life back on track.

Good luck Chops.

Sounds like he is trying to curry favour.

It wont be easy out there........it might tikka a long time to settle in.

It wont be easy out there........it might tikka a long time to settle in.

Another player that would do well in India is Mats Moller Delhi.

He's father is Indian anyway so it's a move that was maybe to be expected. Shame what happened to him though, one of the ep best players I've seen at City, his finishing was incredible at times and he had an amazing partnership with Jay up front.

Good Luck Chops

Oh Goodness gracias me