Sunderland striker Michael Chopra off to rehab

Premiership star Michael Chopra has gone into rehab as he battles to save his marriage to model and TV star Heather Swan.

The £20,000-a-week Sunderland striker checked himself into a private clinic after a furious bust-up with his estranged wife during which police were called.

Chopra, 24, hopes the stay will help him overcome his "relationship issues" while also easing his gambling addiction.

Last night, a source for the player said: "Michael is desperate to save his marriage and wants to prove to Heather that he can be a better husband.

"He volunteered to go into rehab in order to readdress his relationship and bring some order into his life.

"By his own admission, Michael has some relationship issues.

"He needs to understand these and himself better if he is going to overcome them and make a go of his marriage.

"He has anger issues and these need to be resolved. But he is adamant he is in the best place to get help.

"Basically, Michael needs some time away from everything and a bit of space to get his head together.

"He has battled with gambling but firmly believes these demons are in the past. Obviously, though, a period in rehab will also consolidate his progress and help him stay away from the bookies.

"All in all, Michael is praying that a week away will sort him out and he'll emerge a changed man."

The player checked into the Sporting Chance clinic in the Hampshire countryside yesterday for a week-long stint.

The centre - set up by former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams - has been used by several top stars including Joey Barton, Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson.

Chopra, now serving a three-match ban, is understood to have booked into the clinic following a row with Wags Boutique TV star Heather, also 24, in the early hours of Monday morning.

The pair, who separated last month - just four weeks after marrying in a lavish £150,000 do - had to be pulled apart following a rowdy night out in Newcastle.

Chopra was accused of manhandling Heather in the city's Perdu bar after angrily approaching her and grabbing her arm.

He later drove to a mutual friend's house at 2.30am hoping to speak to her. Police were called but no action was taken.

Last night, Northumbria Police said: "At 2.34am on Monday, officers were called out to an address in Newcastle concerning a man ringing a doorbell. Advice was given and no arrest was made."

It is just the latest development in the couple's stormy relationship.

In June, they were wed at a luxury hotel in Somerset. They exchanged vows in front of 200 guests at a chapel built on an island within the 500-acre estate.

But they were seen bickering as early as at the wedding breakfast the next morning.

The rows continued on the honeymoon and they came home to Newcastle separately.

The couple, who have a six-month-old son, Sebastian, have been living apart since the split after their wedding.

Michael has anger issues and these need to be resolved but he's in the best place to get help

SOURCE FOR THE SUNDERLAND PLAYER