Andy Carroll claims Newcastle effectively forced him to join Liverpool because they wanted to cash in on the England striker’s £35 million price tag.
Carroll’s transfer deadline day switch to Anfield has infuriated Newcastle fans, but the 22-year-old insists he would have stayed given the choice.
Initial reports on Monday suggested Carroll had put in a transfer request in an attempt to persuade Newcastle to sell him, but he is adamant he was willing to commit his future to the club, only to be told he had to go because of the size of the fee.
“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,” Carroll told the Evening Chronicle.
“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.”
However, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew insisted Carroll decided to leave after the club ignored his request for an improved new contract.
Pardew told the Shields Gazette: “We didn’t force anybody to leave. I disagree with that point.
“He had a contract here for five years, and at some point it would get renewed, but for him to sign in October and it get renewed in January – where would it stop?
“Personally, I’m disappointed. He’s a lovely lad, and I really like him, but it was his decision, and you can’t change that.
“Was this about football? That’s what you have to ask. I don’t think it was.”
Although Carroll is unhappy with the nature of his Newcastle exit, he is relishing the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Fernando Torres, who all enjoyed successful spells as Liverpool’s number nine.
“Goals have always been in my game so I’m very confident I can score for Liverpool,” he said.
“It’s a great feeling. The number nine is a big number and the one I wanted. To get it at Liverpool is a great feeling.
“They have spent a lot of money on getting me here and I just want to repay them for what they have spent.
“I want to win trophies with this club and help push us forward.”