ANDY CARROLL joked his kids thought he was joining Chelsea after sealing a shock move to sixth-tier Dagenham and Redbridge.
The former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham striker, 36, will play in the National League South for the new season following a takeover by a Qatari investment group.
8
Andy Carroll has joined Dagenham and Redbridge in the National League SouthCredit: Ian Whittaker
8
The club play in England’s sixth tier of footballCredit: Ian Whittaker
8
He joins on a free transfer after leaving French side BordeauxCredit: Ian Whittaker
8
He had joked to his children that he was joining ChelseaCredit: Ian Whittaker
8
Carroll played for French side Bordeaux last seasonCredit: AFP
Carroll is returning to England, having left French fourth-tier club Bordeaux at the end of last term.
The ex-Three Lions ace said: “I’m really excited to get started with Dagenham.
“My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea — they’ll be in for a shock.
“It’s a fantastic location and close to my kids, they will be able to come and see me play.
“I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux but it’s time for me to get settled with my family.
“I’m hoping my kids will bring their friends to see me play.
“ I didn’t want to finish playing football and I’m really excited to get involved in the leadership side and be a player.
“I’ve got experience in seeing how clubs are run, of all levels. I think I can add value.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
“My first job is to go in as a player, I want to get them promoted.
“I was offered clubs with a lot more money, but I realised Dagenham was a project that I really wanted to get into.
Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale kiss and make up in £38,000 posh Glasto camp as they snog and hold hands after Greece bust-up
“I want to help as many players and staff from my experience and background as possible.
“I was getting offers from clubs in France, Italy and Spain, but I wanted to come home.
“I could sign for a top club, but me and the managers might not see eye to eye, so I just want to be somewhere I’m going to be happy.”
Carroll – once a British record transfer when he signed for Liverpool in a £35million deal from Newcastle in 2011 – will be managed by ex-Bournemouth and Manchester City striker Lee Bradbury.
Andy Carroll’s career path
Carroll’s meteoric rise might not have lived up to expectations, but it has been a career full of twists and turns
2006 – Begins to break through with the senior team as a teenager at Newcastle
2011 – Joins Liverpool for a club record fee of £35million
2012 – Leaves Liverpool for West Ham loan before joining permanently for just £15million
2019 – Returns to Newcastle after a long but inconsistent spell in East London
2021 – Joins Reading following the expiry of his Newcastle contract
2022 – Leaves Reading for a short spell with West Brom, but quickly returns to the Royals
2023 – Moves abroad for the first time in his career with second division French side Amiens SC
2024 – Makes headlines by joining fourth-tier French side Bordeaux following their relegation over financial issues, plays for less than minimum wage
2025 – Departs Bordeaux amicably and returns to English football with Dagenham and Redbridge.
But having amassed a fortune playing in the Premier League, Carroll insists he is no longer motivated by money.
He said: “I’m very fortunate to be a footballer and earn the money that I’ve earned. I’m lucky to get paid for a hobby.
“It’s never been about the money for me, I could have signed for a lot more money. I just love playing football.”
Geordie Carroll won nine England caps, scoring twice, including a header against Sweden at Euro 2012.
8
Carroll was once a £35million signing for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
8
He left for West Ham in where he spent seven years of his careerCredit: Reuters
8
He has had two different spells at NewcastleCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group