After playing for England in just about every age category, Michael Chopra was hoping to play international football one day. That day never came.
Now, the former Newcastle striker sees that as an advantage, because he could play for India, the country of his father. “I have been dreaming of playing for India for the last few years and I am willing to give up my British citizenship for that,” Chopra told The Hindu on Sunday, the eve of his team Kerala Blasters’ opening match in the ISL.
Excerpts:
There have been injury concerns for you…
I had a hamstring injury two weeks ago and it took me 10 days to recover, but I am fully fit now. I played for 60 minutes in a friendly against Salgoacar and scored two goals.
Kerala Blasters is not considered particularly strong…
We are going to prove people wrong.
With the experience some of our players have had in the English league, we would do well. Our team believes we could win the ISL; I believe we will win comfortably.
How has it been working with David James? He is also your coach…
People talk about him being 44, but he is still a great goalkeeper and has played in World Cups and in top divisions for many years. He has worked with some of the world’s best managers like Fabio Capello and he is passing on that experience to us.
Your thoughts on Indian football…
There are 1.3 billion people in India, but the country is ranked 158th in world football. But, I believe India has a future in football and the ISL is the first step towards that. I am happy that I am being part of that process to take Indian football forward.
I want to help Indian football. I would like to play in the I-League after the ISL.
On playing for the team co-owned by Sachin Tendulkar…
It’s a privilege. He is not just a cricket star. He is a sport star. I have watched him bat on television. I have also tried to play cricket, you know. I liked to bat; it is more exciting than bowling.
How do you look back at your time at Newcastle?
It was great playing along with the likes of Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy, Gary Speed and Patrick Kluivert.
You were coached by Bobby Robson at Newcastle.
I remember him with gratitude; he gave me my debut at Newcastle. He would often tell me about taking Ronaldo as a teenager to Barcelona and that I should play like him.
