The 35-year-old forward - who has played for the likes of Liverpool and boyhood club Newcastle United - signed for French side Amiens in 2023 before moving to fourth tier side Bordeaux over the summer, and he has admitted he struggled by the time he decided to move countries.

He told The Independent newspaper: “I fell out of love with everything. I was very depressed. I wouldn’t go out of the house, I had to wear a hat if I did.

"I hated everything and everybody. Everywhere I went they would look down on me, telling me I should retire because I was taking the money, when I was trying everything to come back. Only the operations didn't go well."

The nine-time England international insisted he's living "a much easier, simpler life" now he's in France

He explained: “People recognise me in the street but respect me. That’s key to my happiness.

"I can go back to being Andy, the boy from the north of England. Not the Premier League star I was, if I ever was.

"It would be unfair to say that popularity has taken more from me than it has given me, but sometimes it’s hard to manage those situations. Fame has its dark sides."

After making positive choices throughout his career and never being motivated by money - he said is rent is more than his salary at the moment - the veteran hopes to keep playing for another half a decade.

He added: "I hope to make it to 40."

And despite his struggles, Carroll is still just as passionate about football after growing up desperate to play the game.

He said: "I still love football like on the first day because it keeps me alive. It’s been my dream since the first time I saw a match.

"I know the end is coming, and the more it does, the more I try to enjoy it. I value every minute I play or train.”