Former Cardiff and Newcastle striker Michael Chopra has said he is ready to relinquish his British passport to play for India.
The journeyman striker - who has also enjoyed spells at Nottingham Forest, Watford and Sunderland - has been announced as the latest star to play in the inaugural Indian Super League after he was released by Blackpool.
Chopra, whose father is Indian, says he is now ready to stake his claim for a place in the country's national team.
"It's an amazing feeling and I am very excited and privileged to be part of this fantastic opportunity to develop football in India," he told Sky Sports News.
“After playing in England for 12,13 years now I'm ready for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Indian Super League and getting into the I League after that.
“In the future I'd like to open up academies and hopefully one day represent India which has been a dream of mine for some time. My desire to play for India is well known and now I must do all I can to prove my ability and show fans that I'm worthy.
“I'd have to give my British passport up to do so but I want to fulfil my career and in years to come I want to tell my son that I was a part of all of this.”
Chopra, 30, joins the likes of former Arsenal winger Robert Pires and ex-Liverpool forward Luis Garcia in joining the franchise, which has been developed by All India Football Federation, with IMG as a marketing partner.
Baljit Rihal, founder of the Asian Football Awards, said: "Michael is the highest profile Asian in British football and his move to the Indian Super League shows the attraction that his football career to date has on such a momentous event in Indian football.
"Since the announcement the interest from Indian fans and media has been phenomenal."
