#2 Michael Chopra
Blackpool striker Michael Chopra is another footballer with Indian roots. Chopra, who was born to an English mother and Indian father, began his football career with the Newcastle United youth team in 1993 where he gained praise for his lethal eye for goal. The 30-year-old bagged many goals for the Magpies youth teams but just made 21 appearances for the first team as he was sent on loan to various clubs.
The striker enjoyed a prolific spell with Cardiff City in the 2006-2007 season and became the first Indian origin player to score in the Premier League, when he scored for Sunderland. Chopra ended the 2006-2007 season with 22 goals in 42 appearances.
The striker expressed his desire to represent India in the 2011 AFC Cup but his hopes were dashed due to the Indian government’s refusal to accept people with dual citizenship.
The forward is all set to play in the Indian Super League for the Sachin Tendulkar-owned Kerala Blasters side.