Michael Chopra has revealed that he has not had a bet in more than four months as he continues his on-going battle to beat a gambling addiction.
The Town striker also wishes he had confronted his problem sooner and has publicly thanked everyone at Portman Road for the support they have given him.
Chopra said: "It’s 18 weeks now since I had a bet. I just wish I’d come clean and made the change sooner. I realise I’m now starting to grow up, learning things like how to really appreciate life.
"None of the players has taken the mickey. They have all been fantastic and stood behind me. They appreciate it is not easy trying to beat an addiction and recover to lead a normal life.
"Everybody at the club, not just the other players, has been brilliant. It was difficult to own up to the problem. It was embarrassing but I realised it had to be done.”
Chopra, who spent three weeks in rehab at the renowned Sporting Chance clinic, has roared back to form with four goals in his last three games, after losing his place in the starting line-up at the start of this year.
He added: "The manager was right to drop me. I was neither playing well nor scoring goals, but I was determined to get back and I’m delighted now with the way things are going.”