'I like the idea' - Andy Carroll explains why he dropped down to fourth tier of French football to join Bordeaux in surprise transfer

The former Newcastle United forward shocked just about everyone when he signed for Bordeaux in the Championnat National 2 last month. Now, the 35-year-old says he "liked the idea" of joining the fallen French giant, after leaving Ligue 2 team Amiens.

He told Foot Mercato: “I had the opportunity to do it. I like the idea of this project to go back to Ligue 1 and it’s something I wanted to do… Of course, it’s also a very big club with a huge fanbase, and great facilities and it’s something I want to be a part of.”

Bordeaux are the sixth most successful French side of all time, with 16 trophies to their name - including six Ligue 1 titles. However, earlier this year, they were declared bankrupt, placed into financial administration, and subsequently relegated from Ligue 2 to National 2; leading to a mass player exodus. Now, Carroll clearly has desires to try and help Bordeaux return to their former glory.

Carroll's Bordeaux side, who sit 14th in the table with six points from their opening five matches this season, host Avranches in their next league match on October 19. The former England international has scored four goals in two games for his new team so far.