Many Toon fans raised eyebrows when Chopra left United four years ago and wanted to see the striker push on after Alan Shearer hung up his boots. But Chopra says: “It was amazing to play for Newcastle. “It was a dream to play at St James’s Park, and to do that with Alan Shearer, the best striker to play for the club, was a dream come true. “But I had to leave the club. “When Alan Shearer, retired, I knew they would bring someone else in. I had to leave to further my career – I had to get out and play football. “Dave Jones took a chance, and I’ll always be grateful. “He took a risk, and I got 22 goals in 42 games.” Chopra accepts it could still be a rocky ride on Friday and reflected on his last visit as a player to St James’. He said: “I went back with Sunderland last year, and I got stick when I warmed up, but that’s part of the game. “You’ve got to put it to the back of your head. “It was difficult for me to play for Sunderland against Newcastle, as I’m a big Newcastle fan, but when it comes to football, you’ve got to put it to one side. “I went to Sunderland to play in the Premier League – it was a decision I had to make. “Any player wants to play at the highest level. “I can understand what the fans thought, but I’m a football player, and I had a job to do.” | 
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