Andy Carroll on his remarkable career: ‘I’ve been a total idiot at times’

The former England striker never courted the spotlight, yet has never been far from it, and has often found himself cast as a pantomime villain. But there is more to him than meets the eye

Carroll on his public image, on quitting social media, on his bond with Joey Barton, and on his belief in the work ethic

Andy Carroll made quite the entrance. The room fell silent as he walked in, donning a designer tracksuit, and took his seat in a corner, barely a flicker of recognition from those around him. “I love it,” he says of the anonymity. “I like being under the radar.”

Although, there was little chance of that, even in the anonymous surroundings of a north London members’ club. Carroll may not have been on a football pitch for more than six months but he remains one of the most fascinating figures in the game.

Perhaps surprisingly, there is an element of shyness to Carroll, which is at odds with the brash stereotype that has so often been attached to him. It is a stereotype that has long frustrated him, but it is one that has been reinforced by a series of well-publicized incidents, both on and off the pitch.

It has also been reinforced by a media landscape eager to present him as a pantomime villain. It was something he grew tired of and, as a result, he quit social media last year.