MICHAEL Chopra has revealed the role Sir Bobby Robson played in getting him to sign for Ipswich Town.

The Blues’ new striker first learnt his trade under the Town legend as a trainee at home town club Newcastle.

After signing professional terms, Chopra went on to make a total of 29 appearances for the Toon, scoring four goals.

Despite a career on Tyneside interrupted by a series of loan spells, Chopra was able to learn from the great Sir Bobby – who once famously described him as a “young Alan Shearer”.

So when Ipswich and Paul Jewell came calling, Chopra had little hesitation in making the switch after two seasons at Cardiff City.

The 27-year-old said: “I know Ipswich is a big club. I worked under Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle so I got to know all about the history and standing of the club from there.

“The stadium is great, it’s a big club with a fantastic set of fans. It’s a nice part of the world and I am looking forward to it.”

While Chopra signed off with Cardiff’s best wishes, the Bluebirds will see none of the reported �1.5 million fee with the entire amount thought to be going straight to Sunderland – ironically because of money owed when the striker was transferred between the clubs two years ago.

And although Chopra only had a year left on his contract in south Wales, most Town fans will see the fee paid for a proven Championship goalscorer as a snip after Roy Keane reportedly offered �3 million for him just 12 months ago.

While a great first signing to whet the appetites of Town fans, Chopra’s arrival is only the start for manager Paul Jewell.

The club were linked with a �1.2 million bid for Ched Evans at the weekend with the striker looking for a move away from newly-relegated Sheffield United.