West Ham fan favourite Andy Carroll has explained the reasons behind one of the shock moves of the summer transfer window.
West Ham spent the last week or so of the summer transfer window frantically trying to sign a new striker.
In the end the Hammers failed to seal a move. But one of their former strikers did as Andy Carroll joined Ligue 2 side Amiens in a surprise deal.
West Ham fan favourite Carroll, now 34, had been playing for Reading in the Championship since moving there last year, scoring nine goals in 32 games.
The big Geordie forward was hugely popular among West Ham fans for his full-blooded displays and undeniable commitment during his time with the club.
West Ham fan favourite Andy Carroll explains reasons behind one of the shock moves of the summer transfer window
But his cult hero status reached new levels when he went on the beers with West Ham supporters for their huge European semi-final back in May.
Carroll was filmed joining in chants and sing-songs with Hammers fans as he posed for pictures when he went out to Holland as West Ham took on AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League semi-final.
Nobody saw the big career twist coming, though, as he signed a two-year deal with the French second division side – his first ever move abroad.
Now West Ham fan favourite Carroll has explained the reasons behind one of the shock moves of the summer transfer window.
Carroll, who now wears number 99, helped his new team get off to a winning start with a 4-1 victory over EA Guingamp last time out.
‘I had many options including in England’
West Ham fans have been intrigued by his switch abroad.
And now the striker has explained the thinking behind it after being unveiled at a press conference reported on by MaLigue2.
“I had many options from many countries, including in England,” former West Ham ace Carroll said.
“When I spoke with John (Williams), I came here straight away and cast my eye over the city and the club. I knew it was the place I wanted to play.
“It was by speaking to John and my teammates that I made the decision to come here. It’s a good club, a family club, with great facilities.
Much-loved Carroll as unselfish as ever
“No (I don’t have a specific goal target), I think it’s selfish to have a goal objective. I am happy to see the team score. The four goals in the last match are good enough for me.
“As long as the team scores, I’m good.
“I don’t have a personal objective.”
Across seven seasons from 2012 to 2019, Carroll played 142 times for West Ham scoring 34 goals.
Despite his time at West Ham being blighted – like much of his career – by injuries, the fact he is so fondly remembered tells you everything about his commitment to the cause when he did play.
West Ham fans will undoubtedly be keeping one eye on how he gets on over in France as Amiens bid for promotion to Ligue 1.