Michael Chopra yesterday decided to ditch his British passport in order to play for the Indian national football team.

Despite representing England at youth level, the 30-year-old striker has decided to play for the country where his father was born.

Chopra was asked four years ago to represent India but at the time decided it was not in the best interest for either him or his family.

“I was going to play for them four years ago. But at that time I was only 26 and I was too young to give up my British passport and travel around the world at that age,” Chopra said.

“I just had a little boy that was born and things like that, so it would have been difficult. My boy is six now and he has grown up and understands what his dad has got to do.

“So I plan to move to India and give up my British citizenship and get an Indian passport to play for the national team and take them forward.”

Now playing for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, the former Newcastle and Cardiff hitman hopes use his experiences in the Premier League to improve the already talented players in the side. 

“The Indian team has got some good players. If I can help them raise their profile and make them a better team — that’s my aim,” Chopra added. 

“Obviously it will be nice to play international football and play against teams I have never played against. It will be good for my career.”