Former Premier League striker completes move to fourth-tier club, as he drops down two divisions to... (original) (raw)

• An ex-Premier League striker has joined a fourth-tier club in France
• His most recent club played in Ligue 2, but he has dropped down two divisions
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Published: 10:51 EDT, 18 September 2024 | Updated: 11:05 EDT, 18 September 2024

Former England striker Andy Carroll has signed for French fourth-tier club Bordeaux.

The 35-year-old had a spell in France last season with Ligue 2 side Amiens, having left Reading at the end of August 2023.

A club statement on Wednesday read: 'FC Girondins de Bordeaux is delighted to announce the arrival of Andy Carroll.'

It continued: 'Andy arrives in Bordeaux to strengthen the attack. At 35, he has incomparable experience at the top level. A former England international (nine caps, two goals), he has played nearly 450 professional matches.

'His size, his goal-scoring talent and his fighting spirit will certainly help Les Marine et Blanc this season. We can't wait to see him on the pitch.'

Andy Carroll has joined fourth-tier Bordeaux, having decided to drop down two divisions to stay in France

Carroll started his career at Newcastle and went on to have a second spell at the club

He joined Liverpool for £35m in 2011 but failed to live up to expectations at Anfield

Bordeaux now play in the fourth division in France after being relegated due to financial issues

Carroll started his career at Newcastle, before joining Liverpool in a £35million move in January 2011.

He then signed for West Ham before returning to St James' Park, after which he had stints with Reading and West Brom.

Bordeaux earlier this year had to give up professional status and were relegated to Championnat National 2, the fourth tier of French football, due to ongoing financial problems.