Former Newcastle United striker makes shock return to football

Former Newcastle United, Sunderland, Ipswich Town, Blackpool and Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra is making a return to football.
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Former Newcastle United and Sunderland striker Michael Chopra has confirmed a shock return to football.

The Geordie, retired since 2016, will lace up his boots for the first time in more than five years to turn out for local non-league side West Allotment Celtic.

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Chopra, 38, has not played since ending a spell in India with Kerala Blasters.

The veteran frontman, who was capped by England at a number of youth levels, started his career at St James’ Park before moving on to the likes of Cardiff City, Sunderland, Ipswich Town and Blackpool.

Chopra also enjoyed spells at Watford, Barnsley, Nottingham Forest and Alloa Athletic.

Footballer Michael Chopra of Kerala Blasters FC sits with Shirish Kulkarni, President of Liverpool International Football Academy DSK-Shivajians, right,  as they attend the Soccerex European Forum Conference Programme at Manchester Central on September 8, 2014 in Manchester, England.  Footballer Michael Chopra of Kerala Blasters FC sits with Shirish Kulkarni, President of Liverpool International Football Academy DSK-Shivajians, right,  as they attend the Soccerex European Forum Conference Programme at Manchester Central on September 8, 2014 in Manchester, England.
Footballer Michael Chopra of Kerala Blasters FC sits with Shirish Kulkarni, President of Liverpool International Football Academy DSK-Shivajians, right, as they attend the Soccerex European Forum Conference Programme at Manchester Central on September 8, 2014 in Manchester, England.

Confirming the news, a statement on West Allotment’s website said: “West Allotment are delighted to announce the signing of Michael Chopra who started his career at Newcastle United and went on to play for a number of other clubs like Cardiff, Blackpool and Ipswich to name but a few.

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“During his professional career he made 389 appearances and scored 108 goals. He also represented England from U16 to U20 level.

“The management team at West Allotment are delighted to sign such an experienced player who can only help the team improve their professionalism and of course they hope to see quite a few goals along the way.”

Assistant manager Gary Somerville, via the club’s social media channel’s said: “He will bring great experience and professionalism to the team and lads as well as goals.”