Andy Carroll's monthly wage at current club Bordeaux has been revealed and it has left fans stunned.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle striker is still playing at the age of 36 after making a surprise move to the fourth division of French football.
Carroll moved to France with Ligue 2 Amiens in September 2023 when he left Reading and after a season, signed for Bordeaux - who have dropped all the way down to the Championnat National 2 as punishment for their severe financial problems which left them bankrupt.
Carroll scored twice on his debut for the club and has netted an impressive 10 goals in 15 appearances.
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But the ex England man is not earning anywhere near what he collected when he was playing in the Premier League back in his pomp.
According to L'Equipe, Carroll takes home just €1,614 gross per month - though he is also due a bonus of €2,000 after reaching double figures in goals following a brace at the weekend which ended a run of five straight losses.
Incredibly, Carroll is earning less than minimum wage to play for the semi-professional outfit and is considered a part-time worker.
Carroll has already revealed that he is effectively paying to play football but is doing so because of his love for the game.
"To be honest, it's even costing me money to come and play for Bordeaux," he told RMC Sport.
"But I'm playing football, and I am simply happy to be playing football. I want to be a part of this club's history.
"To be frank, it wasn't a question of money. In my career, it's never been a question of money."
Given he once had an £80,000-a-week contract, fans have been left stunned by Carroll's wage but also have an admiration for him simply wanting to play football.
One fan on X commented: "He just wants to enjoy playing football. Fair play to him understanding bordeaux situation."
A second wrote: "The love of the game."
A third followed up and said: "Love of the game and without having to be bothered by fans and media, he can play football, get paid, go home and enjoy."
Another user had the same view, stating: "He is already a multi-millionaire after a decade of earning 100K per week - he can now just play football for fun in a beautiful city and enjoy his life with his family. He's a lucky man."
It was reported at one stage that Carroll was earning €3,500, but he clarified to L'Equipe that it is "a lot less than that" and added that he rents "a pretty little house and my salary is less than my rent".
The top earner at Bordeaux is believed to be Ivorian striker Etienne Beugre, who earns €10,000 a month after signing from Slovenian side Maribor in January.
Bordeaux are currently third in Group B after 24 games, taking 39 points and losing seven times.
Topics: Andy Carroll, France, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Fan Reactions
Josh Lawless