The ultimate wage-stealer. Michael Chopra is arguably the most detested player in Sunderland's history, certainly in recent years. After scoring against the Black Cats seemingly at will for Cardiff (and notching a sickening derby goal for boyhood club Newcastle), fans were unconvinced when the Tyneside-born striker was brought into the fold. He endeared himself initially after a début last-minute winner against Tottenham, announcing Sunderland's return to the Premier League in style, but things soon turned sour. Chopra was accused of a lack of desire in his first derby for the club, spurning a chance to score against his old team and passing the ball to a poorly positioned teammate. He was criticised for his poor form for the remainder of his time at the club, but dissatisfaction became hatred after his infamous Twitter rant in 2013. Chopra hit out directly at the fans of the club, stating: Feels great that all these Sunderland giving me so so much stick that they once paid my wages I think I forgot to say thank you #hahahaha. The taunt solidified Chopra as a villain in the eyes of fans everywhere, receiving levels of abuse usually only reserved for the most detested of Newcastle players. He will forever be regarded as the biggest Sunderland living-stealer.
