NEW DELHI: India football coach
Stephen Constantine
quashed rumours of
Michael Chopra
making an international debut for the country following the striker's latest request to be considered for selection.
Constantine, who was recently in the Capital for the launch of India's overseas scouting program, told TOI that Chopra's chances are now all but over. "It's not going to happen. He's 32 (years old) now. Even if he decides to apply for Indian citizenship, the entire process will take at least two years. He's already well past it," Constantine said.
Chopra, who is the only Indian-origin player to have played in the English Premier League for Newcastle and Sunderland, recently expressed his desire to play for India. A regular at the age group levels for England, he was never able to break into the senior team. Recalled by
Kerala Blasters for the upcoming edition of the
Indian Super League, he expressed his desire to play for India.
Constantine said there was a time when Chopra would've added a lot of value to the team's cause, but the striker never showed much enthusiasm. "If he really wanted an international career, he had the chance in 2002. I had given him a call and spoken about how he could add value to our team then. He didn't take it up and that's that," he said.