Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has revealed Michael Chopra striker recently checked into the Sporting Chance Clinic to address his gambling addiction. The 27 year old, who has struggled with gambling problems in the past, has spent three weeks based at the Hampshire clinic, only leaving to play his part in Town`s Championship matches.
"Chops has a gambling problem, it's an illness," Jewell told the club's official website. "But he`s doing something about it. He is standing up and facing the problem head on and he deserves credit for that. It`s a brave man who does that.
"He went to the Sporting Chance Clinic after the Brighton game (on October 1) and spent three weeks there. He has just come out for games and that`s why I left him out against Palace last weekend.
"He needs the help of the players around him, myself, the chief executive and most importantly the supporters. He is desperate to do well for this football club and loves it here. We have been there for him and we will continue to be there for him. All I ask is for the supporters to be there for him as well. I`m sure they will be because we`re lucky, we have a great set of supporters at this club."
