Liverpool star who broke club transfer record joins non-league club in shock move

Liverpool star who broke club transfer record joins non-league club in shock move

Dagenham and Redbridge have announced the signing of former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, who has also invested in the National League club

Dagenham and Redbridge have signed former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll (Image: The FA via Getty Images )

Former England and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has been revealed as both a new signing and an investor at National League side Dagenham & Redbridge. The 36-year-old has left his stint in the French fourth division with Bordeaux to make a comeback to East London, where he once donned the West Ham colours.

Carroll, who earned nine caps and scored two goals for England, is famously known for his £35million move from Newcastle to Liverpool in January 2011. Despite high hopes, his time at Anfield didn't pan out as expected, resulting in a tally of 11 goals in 58 games before moving on to West Ham.

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On joining Dagenham, Carroll expressed his enthusiasm. He said: "I'm really excited to get started with Dagenham. My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea - they'll be in for a shock. It's a fantastic location and close to my kids, they will be able to come and see me play.

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"I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux but it's time for me to get settled with my family. I'm hoping my kids will bring their friends to see me play.

Carroll also shared his eagerness to delve into the club's management while continuing to play. He added: "I didn't want to finish playing football and I'm really excited to get involved in the leadership side and be a player. I've got experience in seeing how clubs are run, of all levels. I think I can add value."

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Dagenham celebrated Carroll's arrival with a social media video, proclaiming: "It's not every day that a club can announce a new investor, a new kit and a new star striker all in the same day, but this isn't just anyone. Andy Carroll is a Dagger!"

The announcement of the club's sale to a consortium with 'prominent Qatari investors' who have acquired full ownership coincides with the move.

Interim chairman Youseph Al Sharif, along with ex-Daggers skipper Anwar Uddin, are part of the consortium. Uddin expressed his delight, saying: "I consider it an absolute privilege to return to the club after such a memorable spell as a player. I'm genuinely excited to reconnect with the fans and everyone associated with Dagenham and Redbridge, and to play a part in helping the club move firmly in the right direction."

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