Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has revealed details of two training ground fights and an incident where a manager kicked him, in his new autobiography 'Owning It: In My Own Words'. The book also covers his controversial £35 million move to Liverpool in 2011, a transfer he insists he never wanted.
Training ground bust-ups revealed
Carroll describes a brawl with Charles N'Zogbia during a small-sided game. According to Carroll, N'Zogbia reacted angrily after being told to run, leading to a physical confrontation. "He ran towards me, stuck his head in mine and pushed me, before we both landed with blows at the same time," Carroll wrote. The pair were sent in by assistant manager Chris Hughton, and later N'Zogbia called Carroll to arrange a fight at Jesmond Park, which never happened.
The book also mentions a separate altercation with Steven Taylor over a former girlfriend, one of two training ground fights Carroll details.
Manager's kick and Liverpool transfer
Carroll recounts an incident with former boss Glenn Roeder, who kicked him up the backside and told him to leave the senior training base, saying he wasn't up to it. The striker also describes being told by Alan Pardew that he would have no say in his future, with a contract offer withdrawn and a helicopter waiting to take him to Merseyside.
Carroll explains that his transfer request meant Newcastle kept 10% of the £35 million fee. "Newcastle had me over a barrel," he wrote. "I kept thinking, 'Please just fail this and you can go home.' But I passed with flying colours."
Reflecting on his career
Carroll returned to Newcastle in 2019 for a second spell, scoring once behind closed doors against Leicester. In the book, he reflects on his lifestyle choices, contrasting himself with Harry Kane. "I'm not saying I could have had a career like Harry Kane but he is a great example of what kind of career you can have when you live a clean and disciplined life," Carroll wrote. "I wanted to live an everyday life. Go out at weekends with friends and go on holiday with friends in the international break."
