Player was so desperate to avoid signing for Liverpool he hoped he failed medical

Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has admitted he wanted to fail his medical before his big-money move to Anfield.

Back in 2011, Liverpool were stunned by the departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50 million.

Having originally brought in Luis Suarez to play alongside Torres, Liverpool found themselves in need of signing a striker on transfer deadline day.

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

Despite reportedly declaring that he wanted to stay with the Magpies, the striker completed a then-club-record deal to join the Anfield club.

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

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

He said: “From the moment Liverpool made this incredible bid on deadline day, I found myself in a helicopter, without really understanding why.

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

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

Getty

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

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

Last summer, at the age of 34, Carroll left England to play for French Ligue 2 side Amiens.

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

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