Fitter-than-ever striker Michael Chopra has set himself an ambitious target of scoring 25-30 goals for the Blues next season. The 28-year-old says he is feeling very good about himself as he goes into what he says is a “big, big” year for him.
Writing on Twitter, Chopra said: "I'll be setting my targets high this year. I did not reach my target last year [scoring 14 times rather than 20], but I'm fitter and stronger this year. I'll be going for 25-30 goals this year. [It] is going to be a big, big year for me.”
The former England U21 international’s first season with the Blues was blighted by off-field issues as he sought to address his long-term gambling problems with his performances and fitness suffering as a result.
Town sent the ex-Cardiff, Sunderland and Newcastle man for a week at the Ashram Healthort in Calabasas, California last month where he was joined by fitness coach Andy Liddell.
On his return from the $4,500-a-week retreat, the frontman revealed that he had lost three kilograms and says he very much enjoyed his time there: "America was amazing, very grateful to the club for sorting it all out.
"Had a great time and worked hard, along with the fitness coach Andy Liddell. People will see a different player this year. Can't wait for the season to start now.”
He says his better shape is illustrated by the data collected at the start of pre-season training last week: "Put it this way, we did a test this time last year and I got level 14. We did the same test on Thursday and got 19.1, so I'm feeling very good about myself this year.
"I believe I will be top scorer. I had a very bad season last year and scored 14 goals, so you can only imagine how many I will score if I have a good season.”