Ipswich striker Michael Chopra insists he is in better shape than he has been for years.
The former Newcastle and Sunderland man, who cost £1 million from Cardiff last year and went on to be Town’s top scorer last term with 15 goals, has already declared he is confident of claiming twice as many over the coming months.
He said: "I am in the best condition I’ve been in for three or four years and I think it shows from the way I’m playing. I’m not just enjoying my football, I’m loving every minute of it, but I still know I must continue to work hard if I’m going to carry on improving.”
Chopra, 28, credits former Olympic rowing champion Steve Williams, a new addition to Paul Jewell’s backroom staff, as one of the reasons why he feels so good after his efforts last season were blighted by the recurrence of a gambling addiction the player admits has cost him £2 million.
He said: "I still consider I’m in rehab and it will never stop. It’s like an illness, something that is in my body, and I just have to take it day by day. I’ll never stop doing what I’m doing. It will always continue because it’s when I’m in the right frame of mind that I play my best football.
"It’s about keeping myself occupied. Steve has come into the club this year and he has been great for me. We’ve spent a lot of time at the gym.
"Luke Chambers has joined from Nottingham Forest and is living at my place until he finds a house of his own. He helps to make sure I never get bored.
"I’m in a better place and I think you can see that from my football. The manager said that to me so he’s pleased. The main thing is to enjoy it. There’s no point in playing football if you are not enjoying it.”
Chopra was delighted to claim his first goal as Town triumphed 1-0 at Watford in midweek — his first in 12 competitive games dating back to the home win over Burnley back in March.
He admitted: "As a striker your first goal of the season is always the hardest to get. Now that I’m off the mark I hope there will be plenty of others to follow.
"I wasn’t aware of that record and it really doesn’t bother me. If the goals come along, so be it, but my main concern is always the team and our results. As long as we are putting points on the board, that’s the main thing.