Carroll: I didn’t want to leave Newcastle

Andy Carroll has revealed how he was forced out of Newcastle by owner Mike Ashley and never wanted to leave the club.

The West Ham striker has long been regarded as moving to Liverpool for financial gain when he left St James’s Park in a £35million deal on transfer window day in January 2011.

That angered Toon fans and he was accused of betraying his home town club and has suffered bad receptions on his return to Tyneside.

And while he is now at the centre of West Ham legal action as they were refused by the FA to appeal his red card against Swansea last week,  Carroll has looked back three years to the time he knew his time was up.

It was the moment he knew Ashley had his helicopter ready after the club were ready to sell after agreeing a deal with the Reds that he knew he was not wanted..

Carroll’s career did not go to plan and he was forced out by Brendan Rodgers following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish. Recalling the break up of his beloved club, the Gateshead born striker says he wanted to sign a new deal.

He  said: “I was in talks about a new contract and talking to the gaffer about that.

“He told me that they are now not going to give me a contract. That was as soon as the offer of £30m came in.

“So I asked why I wasn’t getting a new contract and he said his hands were tied.

“He said it wasn’t up to him. Then a £35m bid got accepted. And then I was allowed to talk to Liverpool. The owner then made it clear to me that I was not wanted at the club.

“Saying that his own helicopter is waiting for me to go down to talk to them.

“So being shown I’m not wanted I said OK I will talk to them. Then suddenly the bid was rejected.

“And then Derek Llambas asked me to hand in a transfer request. So I was pushed into a corner and had no choice.”

Carroll said he felt upset to be leaving his beloved Tyneside why is why he is so upset when fans do not realise the position.

Talking of owner Mike Ashley, he told the Chronicle: “I wasn’t wanted by them and they made it clear they wanted the money.

“Then I flew down in his  helicopter. I didn’t want to leave. I’m gutted that I wasn’t wanted at my home team after everything I’ve done and progress I’ve made.

“I didn’t want to leave at all. The players, staff and fans were fantastic.”