New Blues striker Michael Chopra has hit out at rumours regarding his off-field behaviour ahead of Cardiff’s vital match against Middlesbrough in May, which they lost 3-0. The 27-year-old joined Town from the Bluebirds for £1.5 million earlier this month.
Chopra, speaking in a lengthy interview in the South Wales Echo, said the claims which circulating amongst Cardiff fans prior to the Boro match were untrue: "It all got out of hand — it was crazy what people were saying and the record needs to be put straight.
"I was not out drinking on the Sunday night before the Middlesbrough game, no way, it would have been totally unprofessional.
"We were all at the presentation night [Friday] and myself and couple of other players went out after the presentations were made. But this was three days before the Middlesbrough game on the Monday.
"I’m not a heavy drinker and that night I was drinking Red Bull. From that the whole story was blown out of proportion — it was ridiculous.”
The former Sunderland and Newcastle man says he was greatly affected by fans’ reactions to the rumours: "Supporters were saying that I was a disgrace and should be kicked out and that kind of stuff - I was very hurt and upset about the whole thing because the worst thing was it was not true.
"I would apologise to any Cardiff City supporter if they thought I was out getting drunk the night before a massive game like Middlesbrough, but I was not out that night.
"Looking back,” he continued. "I should never have gone out after that presentation do [on the Friday] and after two and a half years at Cardiff the only thing I regret is going out that night."
The striker, who has signed a three-year deal at Portman Road, says no new terms had been offered by the Bluebirds prior to his switch to Town: "I would have stayed at Cardiff City. I had another year left on my contract and nothing was discussed about extending it.
"I’m not the type of player who just wants to see out a contract then move on and the club get nothing.
"I would have loved to have stayed at the club for longer and whether Cardiff would have offered me a new contract later on, I don’t know.
"I’m excited about a new move and a fresh challenge. I know four or five players at Ipswich from my time at Sunderland, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Photo: ITFC