Andy Carroll, the experienced English footballer, has made a surprise move to embark on a new adventure. As for Josh, he’s moved to Bordeaux in France to continue his career. Despite being relegated to France's fourth tier due to bankruptcy, Bordeaux has become Carroll's latest footballing home. At 36, Carroll remains enthusiastic about playing the sport he loves and has expressed his desire to continue well into his 40s.
Looking for a change of pace, Carroll relocated to France. He was looking for a change and someone willing to live sans technology as he struggles to fit into a new culture. To make his move an easier one, he’s been taking French lessons. Curiously, his unique Geordie accent has not stood in the way of him getting his point across to his teammates.
Carroll found himself at Wembley Stadium once again — this time as a spectator for the Carabao Cup final. Given that the final pit two of his old clubs against each other, Newcastle and Liverpool, the matchup certainly must have stung. Looking back on the experience, he had nothing but praise for Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s new manager.
"Eddie has really impressed me. Obviously what he's done at other clubs as well, Bournemouth, I just think he's an unbelievable coach and when I speak to the lads at the club, they've all said amazing things about him and you can see it, you can see that every player wants to play for him." – Andy Carroll
Carroll’s career has always been defined by important firsts. His move across England from Newcastle to Liverpool in 2011 saw him shatter the British transfer record. During his career in the Premier League, he made close to 250 appearances while scoring 48 goals. He has been capped nine times for England, establishing strong footings in the international stage as well.
Though he has reached the age where most players retire, Carroll isn’t even thinking about that yet. In fact, he has three years of guaranteed money left on his current contract and plans for his playing career to stretch far past that.
"Everyone that knows me knows that's not the case at all, I've just wanted to play football, and now I can get a chance at 36 to play and enjoy it, it's great." – Andy Carroll
It certainly feels like the experience of being in France has recharged Carroll’s outlook on not just football but life in general. The transfer seems to have cleared some of the stressors that come with playing in England.
"I think it's changed my mindset completely. I think being in England for so long, it was so much pressure, and I think football is everywhere in England and everyone just wants to talk about it." – Andy Carroll
While he embarks on this new chapter in Bordeaux, Carroll is leaving the door open for other opportunities once his playing career is over. He indicated that he would be interested in a coaching or management role after he retires.
"It's a few years away, hopefully anyway, and let's see if there's coaching, management in that." – Andy Carroll
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