London, Feb. 7 (ANI): Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra has expressed sympathy for fired England skipper John Terry, who came under attack for having a fling with team-mate Wayne Bridge’s former girlfriend.

“I’m not saying what John has done is right, but things do tend to get blown out of proportion. I guarantee there is someone doing the same thing every single day but nobody says anything about it,” News of the World quoted Chopra, as saying.

“But as we are footballers and get well paid, people like to think we’re a different breed. It’s not easy being in the public eye,” he added.

Chopra is also hoping that Terry does not miss next weekend’s FA Cup tie because of his recent torments.

The Bluebirds travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on the back of their humbling 5-1 hammering at Newcastle on Friday night, and there has been some talk that Carlo Ancelotti will rest his troubled centre-back for the game.

“I hope John plays. You want to play against the best players to test yourself. I don’t think what’s happened off the pitch has affected him or the Chelsea team. The big players are always mentally strong,” Chopra said.

Chopra himself is no stranger to being plagued by personal problems.

His career has been dogged by marriage trouble and a gambling addiction which saw the 26-year-old live-wire check into rehab.

And only last week the Geordie was involved in an ugly altercation with a Newcastle fan on a visit to his hometown.

“As players we look after ourselves. So when you haven’t got a game, you should be able to let your hair down and do what you want,” he said.

“Instead when you are out enjoying yourself, people come up to you and ask why you are out,” he added. (ANI)