Andy Carroll will play sixth-tier football next season after signing for National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge on a free transfer.
The former Newcastle, West Ham and Liverpool striker, 36, who became a free agent after leaving Bordeaux this summer, has reportedly taken a minority stake in the club as part of a Qatari-led takeover, and will be managed by the former Manchester City striker Lee Bradbury.
Carroll, who won nine England caps, told the Sun: “I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux but it’s time for me to get settled with my family. 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. It’s never been about the money for me, I could have signed for a lot more money. I just love playing football.”
The signing coincided with Dagenham announcing a takeover by a consortium of private investors from Qatar, subject to approval by the FA and the National League.
Youseph Al Sharif, representing the group, told the club’s website: “I’ve followed English football closely for years, and I know what clubs like Dagenham represent to their communities. We’re stepping into something that matters to people’s lives, and we don’t take that lightly.
“We’re here to contribute properly and earn our place. This will take time, but we’re committed to building with care, ambition, and respect for everything Dagenham & Redbridge FC stands for.”