Michael Chopra, 42, joins Cymru South club Trethomas Bluebirds | OneFootball

Michael Chopra has made a surprise return to football at 42, signing for Cymru South side Trethomas Bluebirds.

According to Sunderland Echo, the second tier Welsh club have confirmed the former Sunderland, Newcastle United and Cardiff City striker's arrival. He has been out of competitive action for four years and last played for West Allotment Celtic in 2022.

Trethomas finished 13th in Cymru South last season and are seeking reinforcements before the new campaign. The club called the deal a major signing, with Chopra's top-flight and EFL experience adding pedigree to Paul Evans' squad.

Chopra came through at Newcastle United and is best remembered for four spells at Cardiff City, where he scored 63 goals and became a favourite in South Wales.

He first joined Cardiff from Newcastle in 2006, delivering 22 goals and 12 assists in a standout debut season. That earned a £5million move to Sunderland in 2007, where he made 42 appearances and scored eight goals.

Later stops included Ipswich Town, Blackpool, Kerala Blasters and Alloa Athletic among others, taking him to India and Scotland. He now links up with a Trethomas side preparing for a third season at Cymru South level.

Source: Sunderland Echo