Chopra completes move from Sunderland to Bluebirds
Chopra has returned to Cardiff for a second stint
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Saturday, 04, Jul 2009 12:00
Michael Chopra has made his move from Sunderland to Cardiff City a permanent one after signing a long-term deal with the Bluebirds after his loan deal expired.
The £4 million transfer is a record fee paid out by the Welsh side and Chopra has signed a three-year deal with the club.
Chopra endured a tough time at Sunderland following a promising first season with the Black Cats in 2007.
Problems off the field relating to a gambling addiction saw Chopra take time away from the game in 2008 and he struggled to get back in the Sunderland side.
He joined Cardiff on-loan last season, scoring five goals in 11 appearances for the Championship side.
It will be the striker's second stint at Cardiff having scored 22 goals in 42 games for the club between 2006 and 2007.
Chopra says he hopes to fire the Bluebirds up to the Premier League next season and feels the club are in a good position to achieve that ambition.
He said: "I'm really glad it is all sorted now and like all the other lads excited and determined to go that extra mile to gain promotion.
"We are all putting in 110 per cent in training and there is a good feeling within the squad. The new stadium looks magnificent and the lads can't wait for the opener against Scunthorpe.
"These are exciting times for Cardiff and I'm really glad to now be a part of this."
Chopra is the third player to sign permanently for Cardiff this week following Anthony Gerrard and Mark Hudson.