Former Newcastle and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has completed a surprise move to non-league side Dagenham and Redbridge.

The former England international, 36,  became a free agent after leaving Bordeaux at the end of last season, but has decided to return to his home country to be closer to his family.

On Saturday, Dagenham – who play in the sixth tier of English football – were purchased by a consortium of Qatari private investors. 

Around an hour later, Carroll was signed and, as a part of his move to the east London club, he will reportedly acquire a minority stake, as per Sky Sports.

Last month, Bordeaux confirmed Carroll had departed to ‘return home’ and be closer to his five children.

Andy Carroll has completed a surprise move to sixth-tier side Dagenham and Redbridge

The former England star spent last season at Bordeaux but recently departed as a free agent 

Throughout his career, Carroll has enjoyed spells at Liverpool, West Ham, West Brom, Reading and Newcastle

The 6ft 4in striker doubled down on this when addressing the public regarding his move to the Daggers.

‘I’m really excited to get started with Dagenham,’ he told The Sun. 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.

‘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.’

Caroll went on to explain that he is looking forward to balancing his roles as a shareholder and a player, and believes his 19-year career in football gives him the experience to do so.

He also revealed that he turned down approaches from ‘top clubs’ in France, Italy and Spain to instead play in England.

Carroll 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.

‘My first job is to go in as a player, I want to get them promoted. I was offered clubs with a lot more money, but I realised Dagenham was a project that I really wanted to get into.

Carroll has reportedly acquired a minority share in Dagenham, who were purchased by Qatari investors on Saturday

Carroll has five children and revealed he wanted to move back to England to be nearer to them

The former Liverpool striker is now in a relationship with make up artist Lou Teasdale

Carroll and his girlfriend recently enjoyed a getaway to Spanish party island Ibiza

‘I was getting offers from clubs in France, Italy and Spain, but I wanted to come home. I could sign for a top club, but me and the managers might not see eye to eye, so I just want to be somewhere I’m going to be happy.’

Carroll became a fan favourite in his single campaign at Bordeaux after dropping down the divisions and taking a huge pay cut, even revealing that he was losing money by playing for them.

The 36-year-old scored 11 goals in 23 matches last season as Bordeaux finished fourth in the National 2, France’s fourth division.

It was second season in France having netted four times in 35 appearances for second-tier club Amiens the previous season. 

Carroll started his career at Newcastle before earning a £35million switch to Liverpool in 2011. He played for England nine times, scoring at the 2012 Euros.

Carroll also had spells at West Ham, West Brom, Reading and returned to Newcastle before moving to Amiens in September 2023. 

He has three children with ex-partner Billi Mucklow during an 11 year relationship with the former The Only Way Is Essex star.

Carroll also has two children from a past relationship. He is now in a relationship with make up artist Lou Teasdale.