Chopra willing to give up British passport to play for India

Former England youth international striker Michael Chopra is willing to give up his British passport to play for India after agreeing to play in the Indian Super League.

Chopra, formerly of Newcastle United and Sunderland, was released by Blackpool this summer but is champing at the bit to begin a new chapter in his footballing career in the ISL.

“It’s an amazing feeling and I am very excited and privileged to be part of this fantastic opportunity to develop football in India,” Chopra, whose father is Indian, 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 fulfill my career and in years to come I want to tell my son that I was a part of all of this.”

Chopra will take part in Thursday’s ISL draft for the eight-team league, which is sponsored by IMG. Former Les Bleus’ greats David Trezeguet and Robert Pires as well as Freddie Ljungberg will join the 30-year-old in India.

“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,” said Andy Lee, the vice-president of business development at IMG football.

Now then, should Chopra relinquish his British passport to represent India at the international level?

I cannot speak for him but I — without a shadow of a doubt — would not. Some things are bigger than football and British citizenship is probably one of them.

Stoke sign Victor Moses on loan from Chelsea

Stoke City F.C. have completed the signing of winger Victor Moses on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea F.C.

The Nigeria international, 23, spent last season on loan at Liverpool, tallying just one goal in 23 appearances in all competitions prior to representing his country at the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Moses, who is the Potters’ sixth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Bojan Krkic, Dionantan Teixeira, Mame Biram Diouf, Phil Bardsley and Steve Sidwell, will compete with Bojan and Marko Arnautovic for playing time in 2014/15.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of such an exciting young talent in Victor,” the club’s chief executive Tony Scholes said.

“He will certainly add to our attacking options and from talking to him it’s obvious that he’s really excited about the prospect of making an impact in the Premier League with Stoke City.”