There are very few players more despised on Wearside than Michael Chopra. The ex-Newcastle flop was given another chance at the top by every mediocre player's favourite manager, Roy Keane. He scored the winner against Spurs during Sunderland's first game of their current top flight spell back in 2007. "Chopra's one of us!" chants roared around the stadium as the Geordie wildly celebrated in front of the converted masses and his newly adoring fans. Chopra netted in the second game of the season against Birmingham and fans who thought the fee was inflated were beginning to think Keane's masterstroke was going to pay off. That goal against Birmingham in August 2007 was his last goal from open play until the end of March 2008, with a penalty against Reading nestled somewhere in the middle. He finished the season with more yellow cards than goals (7 bookings, 6 goals). The final nail in Chopra's coffin was by purposefully missing a chance against his 'beloved' Newcastle while wearing red and white. The backlash was intense, and he left the club amid a string of gambling problems. He later spoke to the press declaring that he 'only signed for Sunderland to clear his debts'. *clenches fist, breathes heavily*
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
