Andy Carroll joked that his children thought he came to Chelsea after sealing a shock movement to … Sixth-layer Dagenham and Redbridge!
The former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham Striker, 36, will play in the National League South next season with the Essex club that confirms an acquisition of an investment group in Qatari last night.
Ex-Three Lions Ace Carroll returns to England after leaving the French fourth level Club Bordeaux at the end of last month.
Carroll, who also invested in the daggers, said: “I am very excited to get started with Dagenham.
“My children thought I was signing for Chelsea – they will enter a shock.
“It is a fantastic location and they can come and play close to my children.
“I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux, but it's time for me to settle with my family.
“I hope my children will bring their friends to see me play.
“I didn't want to play football and I am very enthusiastic to get involved in the leadership side and to be a player.
“I have experience seeing how clubs are run, of all levels. I think I can add value.
“My first task is to go in as a player, I want to get them promoted.
“I was offered clubs with a lot more money, but I realized that Dagenham was a project that I really wanted to go on.
“I want to help as many players and employees as possible from my experience and background.
“I received offers from clubs in France, Italy and Spain, but I wanted to get home.
“I could sign for a top club, but I and the managers may not see an eye to eye, so I just want to be somewhere where I will be happy.”
Carroll – Once a British record transfer when he signed for Liverpool in 2011 in a £ 35 million deal from Newcastle – is managed by ex -Bournemouth and Manchester City striker Lee Bradbury.
But after gathering a fortune in the Premier League, Carroll insists that he is no longer motivated by money.
He said: “I am very happy to be a football player and earn the money I have earned. I am lucky that I am paid for a hobby.
“It's never about the money for me, I could have signed for much more money. I just like playing football.”
Geordie Carroll won nine England caps and scored twice, including a header against Sweden on Euro 2012.