The French classic club FC Girondins de Bordeaux made the general mistake of believing businessman Gérard López Fojaca’s promises when he bought the club a few years ago.
In the midst of all the sadness, former England international Andy Carroll came along and restored the fans’ faith in humanity.
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Andy Carroll made a surprising move to Bordeaux, recording eleven goals and two assists in 21 league appearances for the classic club.
Now Bordeaux announce that Carroll is leaving the club
“We fully understand and respect this personal choice. Thank you for everything, Andy,” the club writes on its website.
Bordeaux played in Ligue 2 in the 2023-2024 season, but was forcibly demoted last summer due to the club’s poor financial situation.
Carroll is best known for his years at Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham in the Premier League.
Andy Carroll leaves Bordeaux to be closer to his children – club pays tribute to ‘outstanding and generous’ ex-England star
<span style="background-color:#741717" class="td_text_highlight_marker“>The striker earned only £750 a week in France, a big difference from over £100,000 a week in the Premier League.
The 36-year-old ex-Newcastle star was a big favorite among fans of the National 2 club.
Carroll caused a stir when he chose to be relegated to the divisions last year to join the crisis-stricken club.
He scored 11 goals in 21 games as Bordeaux finished 11 points behind promotion winners Stade Briochin in Group B.
A club announcement on Friday read:
“When he arrived last summer with a desire for a new challenge, Andy showed total commitment from his first days in Bordeaux. On the pitch, the English striker scored 11 goals in 21 league games.”
“But beyond the stats, Andy brought his experience, physical strength and professionalism every single day – both in the dressing room and in important matches. Off the pitch, he is an outstanding and generous personality that both fans and staff of the club have greatly appreciated.”
“Today, Andy has chosen to return home to be closer to his children. We fully understand and respect this personal choice. Thanks for everything, Andy. You will always be at home here. Happy travels, and see you soon!”
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Carroll replied simply on the club’s official X account:
“Je t’aime [I love you].”
Carroll signed his first professional contract with Newcastle in 2006 after coming up through the club’s academy.
He made 134 appearances for the Toon before joining Liverpool in 2011, with later stints at West Ham, Reading and Amiens.
The striker has nine caps and two goals for England.
Carroll has three children with ex-girlfriend Billi Mucklow (former star of TOWIE), as well as two children from a previous relationship.
The couple separated in September last year after a turbulent marriage of two years.
The Sun revealed earlier this month that they had sold the house in Essex for a seven-figure sum.
The 36-year-old Carroll is now in a relationship with celebrity stylist Lou Teasdale.
