FORMER Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll says he could be left out of pocket after joining Bordeaux in the French fourth tier - but money isn't in his thinking.

The Geordie striker dropped two divisions in France when he left Amiens for Bordeaux, the former Ligue 1 giants who were forced to surrender their professional status after filing for bankruptcy.

But Carroll was happy to drop down a couple of divisions to play for a "big club" - and the 35-year-old got off to a dream start with two late goals on his debut to rescue a 2-2 draw against Voltigeurs de Chateaubriant.

Carroll, who had two separate spells at Newcastle, moved to Amiens in 2023 and enjoyed his first year in France.

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Asked why he was tempted to drop down the leagues to join Bordeaux, he said “Because it’s a great project.

“Unfortunately, the club has fallen several divisions but it’s a big club and we’re going to try to get it back to where it should be.

“I loved my life in France last year and this opportunity has arrived. It’s a great club with great fans. The training grounds are exceptional, and I wanted to be part of this history. I adapted really well to French life in Amiens, I really loved my life there.

“You know, I just love football, and it was an opportunity to play for a big French club. It doesn’t matter what level you play at in the end. I like playing football and that’s what I came here to do. I really hope we can achieve our goals this season.

“To be honest, it even cost me money to go play for Girondins. But I play football and I’m just happy to play football. I want to be part of the history of this club and to be honest it’s not a question of money. In my career, it has never been about money.”

Carroll scored 34 goals for Newcastle during his two spells at his home club and hit 54 goals in 248 top flight appearances.

He made nine appearances for England, scoring twice.