Carroll became the most expensive British footballer when Liverpool signed him from Newcastle United for £35 million in January 2011. But more than a decade later, the former England striker has revealed that leaving his boyhood club was never what he wanted.
Key Highlights
- Andy Carroll says he never wanted to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool in the £35 million January 2011 transfer.
- Carroll claims Newcastle kept 10% of the £35m fee after he submitted a transfer request.
- The striker revealed he hoped to fail his Liverpool medical so he could return to the North East.
- Carroll says his increased wages contributed to a more chaotic lifestyle involving bars, strip clubs and casinos.
A Forced Farewell from St James' Park
In his new book, Owning It, Carroll claims Newcastle effectively forced his hand while ensuring the club retained a significant portion of the transfer fee. As reported by the Daily Mail, he said, "Newcastle had me over a barrel, and I later learned that me putting in a transfer request meant that Newcastle got to keep 10% of the £35m fee that otherwise would have gone to me."
Carroll Hoped to Fail Liverpool Medical
The scale of the transfer was reportedly so difficult for Carroll that he actually hoped his medical would uncover a problem and allow him to return to the North East. After arriving in Liverpool, the striker went straight to Anfield for his medical. He recalled, "I kept thinking, 'Please just fail this and you can go home.' But I passed with flying colours."
Carroll's emotions remained clear even after completing the move. During his official unveiling alongside Luis Suarez, he admitted that he struggled to hide how he felt, saying he looked like he wanted to cry.
AFP
Sudden Wealth Changed Carroll's Lifestyle
The move also brought a major increase in Carroll's wages, which he says had a significant impact on his life away from football. Carroll admitted that his new salary contributed to a more chaotic social life, including regular visits to bars, strip clubs and casinos.
"Before my weekly wage jumped to £2,500 a week, I was quite sensible," Carroll said. "But soon enough I was spending time in bars, strip joints and casinos. If everyone wanted a tray of shots, I'd buy a tray of shots."
He also acknowledged that being a well-known footballer while spending time in local establishments was likely to attract unwanted trouble.
What Is Next for Andy Carroll?
Carroll now plays for Dagenham and Redbridge in the National League South, while also co-owning the club with YouTuber KSI. His Premier League career is now behind him, but the release of his candid autobiography has offered a fresh look at one of the most significant transfers of his career.
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