Andy Carroll has stated that he did not want to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool.
Carroll became the Reds’ record signing on the final day of the January transfer window in 2011, signing for a fee of £35 million.
Despite hopes that he could develop a lethal partnership with Luis Suarez, who signed on the same day, Carroll’s time at Liverpool was short-lived. And, speaking to L’Equipe in France, the 34-year-old has revealed why: he didn’t want to be at Anfield at all.
The former England striker claims, “I found myself aboard a helicopter, without really understanding why, from the moment Liverpool made this extraordinary bid on deadline day.
I recall wishing to fail my medical as I felt hurt.
Carroll did have some bright spots, and in fairness to him, he does agree that the move ended up being a net benefit for him.
“This [joining Liverpool] helped me grow up by taking me out of my comfort zone,” he claims. “Because I knew nothing about life and football, apart from Newcastle.”
Carroll confesses Liverpool’s hesitation.
For anyone wondering why Carroll is speaking to L’Equipe, the former Reds No.9 is now playing in the French second tier for Amiens.
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Carroll’s career has largely been a downward spiral since his arrival at Anfield 12 years ago.
Following his departure from Liverpool just 18 months after joining, he spent six years at West Ham United.
But, for the most part, the huge, ponytailed hitman never regained the form that drew the Reds to him.
Carroll’s words here make it clear why he struggled at Liverpool. Of course, leaving Newcastle must have been difficult for him. But the opportunity to play for the Reds was still a tremendous one for any athlete.
He had the opportunity to form a relationship with one of the best players of his time, Luis Suarez, but he passed it up.
In retrospect, it would be interesting to learn what Carroll would do differently. For the time being, we wish him the best of luck with his new enterprise in France. Once a Red, always a Red, even if they are hesitant.
