Experienced former Premier League and EFL player Michael Chopra signs for the 12th club of his career aged 42.
A huge addition for the Cymru South side Trethomas Bluebirds AFC, Chopra playing for the love of the game, having last turned out for West Allotment Celtic back in 2022.
He began his career as a product of the Newcastle United youth system, spent time on loan with Watford, Nottingham Forest, and Barnsley, then played for the likes of Cardiff, Sunderland, Ipswich, Blackpool, Kerala Blasters, Alloa Athletic and West Allotment Celtic. Chopra also represented England from under-16 up to and under-20 levels.
His first game for Trethomas Bluebirds AFC will be on Saturday the 4th of July, a legends match to raise money for Cancer Research.
Trethomas Bluebirds AFC are delighted to announce the signing of former Cardiff City fan favourite, Michael Chopra.
A player who needs no introduction joins the Bluebirds, bringing a wealth of experience, quality and winning mentality to the club.
Once a Bluebird. Always a… pic.twitter.com/9h9gK3fns6
— Trethomas Bluebirds AFC (@TreBluebirdsFC) July 1, 2026
Cant wait to get the boots back on and score some goals.
— Michael Chopra (@MichaelChopra) July 1, 2026
Been itching to publish this one!
Caerphilly Observer’s exclusive interview with Michael Chopra who has signed for @TreBluebirdsFC!
Chopra is a Bluebird once more💙https://t.co/RUpmVT9qjg
— Tom Hicks (@tomhicks21) July 1, 2026
Speaking in an interview with the Caerphilly Observer, Chopra said: “Derek Brazil gave me a call about the club and how I could help support it through a charity match. He put me on the phone to Chairman Dave Evans and it all started there.
“We hit it off instantly, it was like I’d known him for years. He sent me a picture I had with his son after the FA Cup final match between Portsmouth and Cardiff years ago. I played for Sunderland at the time but came to watch.
“He then asked me what I thought about becoming an ambassador for the club, helping to grow it and hopefully bring in some sponsorships. Well I’d never been asked before so said I’d let him know.
“Anyway I spoke to Dave again shortly after and this time he asked me why don’t I play a few games instead. I just started laughing honestly, I haven’t kicked a ball in more than four years.
“I gave it some thought and said yeah why not. I live in Amsterdam so I won’t be there all the time, plus I don’t want the manager to feel like he has to play me, we’ll have a chat as a club when the fixtures come out and try to work out which games I can make.
“It’ll be a great opportunity for the club to use my name and get more people involved. It’s really exciting; feels like fate that I’m back as a Bluebird again.”
“I’ve made it clear I’m not going to be doing any coaching, but I will help the lads as much as I can on the pitch. They’re a young squad so hopefully I can teach them a few things.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there, your football brain never leaves you, just your legs”, he joked.
“I had a really productive meeting with everyone at the club recently and we spoke about what we’re trying to do. I’ve been talking to other players I know and will hopefully get them involved in some way, whatever helps the club.”
You can read what chairman Dave Evans said to Caerphilly Observer by clicking HERE.
MICHAEL CHOPRA’S CAREER:
Youth career
1993–2000 – Newcastle United
Senior career
2000–2006 – Newcastle United – 31 games (3 goals)
2003 → Watford (loan) – 6 games (5 goals)
2004 → Nottingham Forest (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2004–2005 → Barnsley (loan) – 42 games (17 goals)
2006–2007 – Cardiff City – 44 games (22 goals)
2007–2009 – Sunderland – 42 games (8 goals)
2008-2011 → Cardiff City – 188 games (32 goals)
2011–2013 – Ipswich Town – 82 games (19 goals)
2013–2014 – Blackpool – 20 games (0 goals)
2014 – Kerala Blasters – 9 games (0 goals)
2015–2016 – Alloa Athletic – 30 games (4 goals)
2016 – Kerala Blasters – 10 games (1 goal)
2022 – West Allotment Celtic
International career
1997–1999 – England U16 – 10 games (0 goals)
1999–2000 – England U17 – 5 games (0 goals)
2000–2001 – England U19 – 7 games (0 goals)
2001–2003 – England U20 – 9 games (0 goals)
Here’s how fans reacted as the experienced former Premier League and EFL player signs for the 12th club of his career aged 42…
@iamtimjbaker: “What’s that coming over the hill…” 💪🏻
@Cardiff_Bez: Serious? He’s going to tear the league a new one.
@CCFC_MC: Quality!! Go on Chops. Up the Bluebirds.!!
@JordanT37284: You what?? 😂
@jack_nr98: Wharra signing 💙
Nini Pan: I’ll be there to see the City hero.
Fabian Benvenuti: Unbelievable signing this, fairplay puts the Welsh Cymru South on the map and Trethomas Bluebirds AFC on everyone’s lips
Rich Mered-ith: Unbelievable 👍
Scott Tancock: Phenomenal 👏👏
Emily Lay: Proud of the boys being involved in making this happen
@welshfootball_: A Bluebird once more… 😲 Michael Chopra will be lining out at Ystrad Mynach’s Centre Of Sporting Excellence as he completes his move to Trethomas Bluebirds. Cymru South Heritage this one!
@NUFCWaless: How’s this for a Wednesday morning story. Former Newcastle Utd striker Michael Chopra has signed for my local club! Also more active than us in the transfer market! Good luck @TreBluebirdsFC & @MichaelChopra
@ChrisJenki18199: @MichaelChopra @TreBluebirdsFC Welcome back bluebirds legend 💙
NP20BLUE: Trundel to Cwmbran, Chops to Trethomas what next Bale to Penybont.
@josh_wats09123: Heard a rumour going around about this yesterday . Good move for Trethomas no doubt will score a few and they should do well financially off i
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