The player was so desperate to avoid signing for Liverpool that he hoped to fail a medical

Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has admitted he wanted to skip his medical before moving to Anfield.

In 2011, Liverpool were stunned by the departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50m.

Having initially brought in Luis Suarez to play alongside Torres, Liverpool needed to sign a striker on transfer deadline day.

As a result, Liverpool offered £35 million to Newcastle United in a bid to sign Carroll.

Despite stating he wanted to stay with the Magpies, the forward struck a club-record deal at the time to join the Anfield club.

However, Carroll failed to live up to expectations after scoring just 11 goals in 58 appearances, but lifted the 2012 Carling Cup during his time with the Reds.

Speaking in an interview with French news outlet L’Equipe, Carroll said he secretly hoped he would fail his Liverpool medical.

He said: “From the moment Liverpool made this incredible offer on deadline day, I found myself in a helicopter, not really understanding why.

“Because I was injured, I remember hoping to fail my medical.”

Carroll continued: “It helped me grow by pushing me out of my comfort zone. Because I knew nothing about life and football apart from Newcastle.”

Getty

Carroll finally left Liverpool in 2013 when he joined West Ham United on a permanent deal.

The Englishman went on to play for Newcastle, Reading and West Bromwich Albion.

Last summer, aged 34, Carroll left England to play for Amiens in the French Ligue 2.

Speaking about his move, Carroll said: “Here, it’s a bit more tactical, I only have to use my energy in certain situations.”

Since signing for the club, he has made 21 appearances in all competitions for the French side, scoring three goals.

Featured image credit: Getty

Topics: Andy Carroll, Liverpool, Football