Source: PA
Carroll: I wasn`t wanted by Newcastle
Andy Carroll has claimed he was asked to hand in a transfer request as Liverpool closed in on their £35million swoop for him.
Carroll told the Evening Chronicle that he had been in talks over a new and improved contract at St James' Park when it became clear he was longer wanted on Tyneside.
He said: "...[Managing director] Derek [Llambias] asked me to hand in a transfer request, so I was pushed into a corner and had no choice. I wasn't wanted by them and they made it clear they wanted the money."
"Then I flew down in (owner Mike Ashley's) helicopter. I didn't want to leave. I'm gutted that I wasn't wanted at my home team after everything I have done and the progress I have made.
"I didn't want to leave at all. Make sure they know I didn't want to leave. The players, staff and fans were fantastic."
Carroll's comments back up the content of texts he sent to friend and editor of the Toon Talk fanzine, Steve Wraith, as the transfer saga unfolded on Tuesday night.
