Andy Carroll, the former Liverpool star who was for a time the most expensive player in the history of English football, decided to join the Girondins de Bordeaux in the 4th division after discovering French football in L2 in Amiens. At 35, the British striker wants to enjoy his last moments as a professional footballer and the life around him. RMC Sport interview.
Andy Carroll, the question everyone is asking is why did you choose Bordeaux in N2?
Because it’s a great project… Unfortunately, the club has fallen several divisions but it’s a big club and we’re going to try to get it back to where it should be.
Was staying in France a real choice?
Yes, I loved my life in France last year and this opportunity has arrived. It’s a great club with great fans. The training grounds are exceptional and I wanted to be part of this history. I adapted really well to French life in Amiens, I really loved my life there.
You started your Bordeaux story with a double in front of more than 10,000 supporters in the 4th division, how did you experience that?
Honestly, it’s been fantastic, the supporters have been wonderful. We were down 2-0 in the first half and they pushed. I loved scoring those two goals, especially for the fans there. It was a great feeling.
Do you understand that supporters and observers are surprised to see Andy Carroll in Bordeaux in N2?
You know, I just love football and it was an opportunity to play for a big French club. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what level you play at. I like playing football and that’s what I came here to do. I really hope we can achieve our goals this season.
“Fight as best as possible to bring this club back up”
How does a player who has earned so much money in the Premier League accept a challenge like the Girondins (his salary is estimated at around 3,500 euros per month)?
That’s what I told you previously, it’s simply because I love football. To be honest, it even cost me money to go play for the Girondins. But I play football and I’m just happy to play football. I want to be part of the history of this club and to be honest it’s not a question of money. In my career, it has never been about money.
Do you feel in Bordeaux the expectations of the supporters in this club which is destroyed?
It’s sad to see a club, regardless of its identity, in difficulty. Earlier in my career, I was at a club which experienced financial problems (Reading in 2022-2023, Editor’s note), we had taken penalty points. It’s unfortunate but we just have to get involved to get the club back to where it needs to be. We have to fight as best we can. We have a great team, a great manager, a great staff and I hope we will improve in the next two years.
Did you know that Bordeaux is the city in France with the largest number of English and Irish pubs?
When I first arrived in town I looked around and saw an English pub, another English pub, another… With Irish bars too but I haven’t yet managed to enjoy a bit of them .
