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Trethomas Bluebirds have announced Cardiff City legend Michael Chopra as their latest signing, with the 42-year-old poised to become a ‘Bluebird’ once again.

In an exclusive interview with Caerphilly Observer, the former Premier League striker said how excited he was to lace up his boots once again, having “not kicked a football in more than four years”.

Chopra is best known for his two spells at Cardiff City where he scored 56 goals in the Championship, but the Geordie also spent two seasons at Sunderland in the top division of English football.

Speaking about how he’s ended up signing for the Cymru South side, Chopra said: “Derek Brazil gave me a call about the club and how I could help support it through a charity match. He put me on the phone to Chairman Dave Evans and it all started there.

“We hit it off instantly, it was like I’d known him for years. He sent me a picture I had with his son after the FA Cup final match between Portsmouth and Cardiff years ago. I played for Sunderland at the time but came to watch.

“He then asked me what I thought about becoming an ambassador for the club, helping to grow it and hopefully bring in some sponsorships. Well I’d never been asked before so said I’d let him know.”

Chopra added how he’s done lots of charity work and continues to do so with Cardiff City, and was open to the idea of supporting a club in the surrounding area.

He continued: “Anyway I spoke to Dave again shortly after and this time he asked me why don’t I play a few games instead. I just started laughing honestly, I haven’t kicked a ball in more than four years.

“I gave it some thought and said yeah why not. I live in Amsterdam so I won’t be there all the time, plus I don’t want the manager to feel like he has to play me, we’ll have a chat as a club when the fixtures come out and try to work out which games I can make.

“It’ll be a great opportunity for the club to use my name and get more people involved. It’s really exciting; feels like fate that I’m back as a Bluebird again.”

An excited Dave Evans also spoke to Caerphilly Observer about what this could mean for the growth of the Bluebirds: “We’ve been so excited holding this one back for two weeks now, it’s been funny hearing everyone guess who it might be – I’ve heard Andy Carroll and even Craig Bellamy. It’s massive for the club and the community.

“I must have been on the phone to him for an hour at first talking about Cardiff City and all his memories; he came across as such a likeable guy and I wanted to get him involved.

“The first person we spoke to was the manager Paul Evans and he agreed this is a fantastic opportunity. People will call it a publicity stunt, but my focus is always on raising the profile of this great football club and making it sustainable. Chopra is a brilliant way to do just that.”

Chopra is due to make his debut on Saturday July 4, as the club raises money for Cancer Research with a legends match. Kick-off is 2pm at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.

Chopra added: “I’ve made it clear I’m not going to be doing any coaching, but I will help the lads as much as I can on the pitch. They’re a young squad so hopefully I can teach them a few things.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there, your football brain never leaves you, just your legs”, he joked.

“I had a really productive meeting with everyone at the club recently and we spoke about what we’re trying to do. I’ve been talking to other players I know and will hopefully get them involved in some way, whatever helps the club.”