Ipswich Town striker Michael Chopra has spoken out about his gambling addiction which resulted in his losing up to £2m and betting £20,000 a day.
Reports of the former Sunderland player's gambling problem emerged last week, with Ipswich boss Paul Jewell calling for fans to support the frontman through his struggle.
"Your first bet's your worst bet," Chopra told Sky Sports News. "As the years have come along and I've earned more money I've started to gamble more.
"I was gambling up to £20,000 a day at times. As soon as I'd step over the white line I would focus on football - but as soon as I got to the dressing room I would check my phone to see if I'd won.
"As a gambler you want to be playing to get the appearance money. I was playing through injury to cover a debt."
The 27-year-old revealed that he has lost £2m due to his addiction, but ensures that he will help Ipswich to achieve promotion as gratitude for their support.
"In my first season at Cardiff I had a gambling debt from when I was at Newcastle," he added. "I had to leave Cardiff and sign for another team to pay that debt off.
"I have probably lost between £1.5 million and £2 million on gambling.
"The main thing now is to get promoted with Ipswich. They've backed me and I want to pay them back."
The former Newcastle United striker has enlisted the help of Sporting Chance Clinic to banish his dependency on gambling.
Danielle Joynson
