Michael Chopra, the Newcastle-born striker of Indian origin isn’t too happy with Indian coach, Stephen Constantine’s assessment of him as a player.
Despite representing England at the U-16, U-17, U-19 and U-20 levels, he was unable to break into the senior national team. Born to an Indian father, Chopra has been trying to get Indian citizenship since 2010 which will enable him to play for the Indian national team.
However, Constantine, the former Rwanda coach thinks it’s a pointless effort. “It's not going to happen. He's 32 (years old) now. Even if he decides to apply for Indian citizenship, the entire process will take at least two years. He's already well past it,” said the Indian team coach last week.
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Chopra, a product of the Newcastle youth academy didn’t take too kindly to Constantine’s criticism and hit back at the coach with a vengeance.
“He (Constantine) can say whatever he wants. He was nothing as a player and I am entitled to my opinion,” claimed Chopra. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) are rumoured to be uninterested in renewing Constantine's contract after it runs out in February and the former Premier League player believes that will be his chance to make a place for himself in the Indian national team.
“As a manager what has he achieved, he has been India manager and was in Rwanda and other countries. I've heard reports about other managers taking over, so let's wait and see what happens," surmised Chopra who hasn't had the most consistent career himself.
Chopra, who has returned to play for Kerala Blasters for the third edition of ISL, is currently training at Mohun Bagan’s facility in Kolkata along with the rest of his team, ahead of their first game against North East United FC on 1 October.
Before joining his Blasters team-mates in Thailand for their pre-season, Chopra had been training with I-League team DSK Shivajians to get used to the Indian climate. “We went to Thailand and to travel all the way back to the Northeast, it really makes sense to do your pre-season training here in Kolkata rather than going to Kerala. It will shorten the travel time and distance. We flew in yesterday. This is our first day training.” said Chopra yesterday.
With new manager Steve Coppell set to lead Kerala Blasters into the third season of ISL, Chopra is confident of a new beginning with his teammates. “We are working on the fitness. Obviously, there's a lot to work on. That applies to all the teams. When a new manager takes over, there will be new ideas and philosophy.”
