What Andy Carroll Did Next: Bordeaux’s Unlikely Trebuchet
Despite concerns about the financial implications of signing a veteran player who previously earned £80,000 a week, Carroll has clarified his motivations. “My salary is lower than the rent I pay,” he shared with L’Equipe. He emphasized that his move to Bordeaux wasn’t financially motivated, stating, “I’ve had proposals to play in Saudi Arabia but I was not interested. I’d love to continue playing every Saturday at least until I’m 40, whatever the level.” One of his aspirations includes playing alongside his eldest son, Lucas, who is now 14, akin to the legendary LeBron James.
As Andy Carroll's career progresses, it remains a topic of intrigue and speculation. Is he a fearsome £35 million goal-scoring machine, a player plagued by injuries, or a symbol of the "Big Man" era in English football? The narrative around Carroll, including his international career that saw him earn caps largely due to the lack of viable alternatives, is complex and layered.
Now, at 35 years old, Carroll is eager to add new chapters to his story. Last month, he signed with Bordeaux, a club currently battling through financial woes and competing in the fourth tier of French football, the Championnat National 2. So far, Carroll’s stint with Les Girondins has proven fruitful. He marked his debut with a spectacular comeback against Châteaubriant, scoring two late goals to level the match after being down 2-0. He continued his scoring streak with another brace against Saumur, including a decisive 84th-minute goal that clinched Bordeaux's first win of the season. With four goals in total, Carroll has already matched his second-most productive campaign since the 2016-17 season.
Despite concerns about the financial implications of signing a veteran player who previously earned £80,000 a week, Carroll has clarified his motivations. “My salary is lower than the rent I pay,” he shared with L’Equipe. He emphasized that his move to Bordeaux wasn’t financially motivated, stating, “I’ve had proposals to play in Saudi Arabia but I was not interested. I’d love to continue playing every Saturday at least until I’m 40, whatever the level.” One of his aspirations includes playing alongside his eldest son, Lucas, who is now 14, akin to the legendary LeBron James.
However, the realities of playing for a financially struggling club do come with challenges. Carroll recounted the difficulties of bus travel, revealing a recent six-hour journey to Saumur where he had to stretch out in the aisle due to cramped conditions. He humorously contrasted this with the luxury of 40-minute private jet flights from his Premier League days.
Looking ahead, Bordeaux will host Avranches this weekend, which means Carroll can avoid the travel woes for now. It seems that as he navigates this new chapter, he remains committed to enjoying the game he loves, regardless of the circumstances.
