Arsenal star Declan Rice reacts to Andy Carroll’s message after shock transfer
Andy Carroll shocked the footballing world by joining National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has reacted to a message shared by the former England striker, who completed his move to the sixth-tier outfit on 12 July.
The 36-year-old previously featured in the Premier League for the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham, and Liverpool.
Last season, Carroll played for Bordeaux, who were relegated to the fourth tier of French football amid financial struggles.
Arsenal star Rice reacts as Carroll shares Dagenham & Redbridge message
Rice will hope to help Arsenal win the Premier League title, operating in midfield alongside summer additions Christian Norgaard and Spain international Martin Zubimendi.
Meanwhile, Carroll shared photos of himself and his children at Dagenham and Redbridge via Instagram on Monday, 14 July, alongside the caption: “This one is for you kids.”
The former West Brom man’s message received a like from Rice, who produced a career-best return of nine goals and 10 assists across all competitions last term.
Carroll will be a major threat for Dagenham and Redbridge
Football Insider verdict
The former Liverpool striker’s best years are behind him, as he has now dropped from the Premier League to the National League South.
| Andy Carroll stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 3 |
But following a career in the upper echelons of the English football pyramid, and stints in France with both Amiens and Bordeaux, Carroll should shine at non-league level.
The veteran proved he still has an eye for goal by scoring on 11 occasions in 21 appearances in the fourth tier of French football last season.
Furthermore, he scored nine goals in 30 Championship outings for Reading in the 2022/23 season, showing that he should be able to cause plenty of problems for semi-professional defenders to deal with next term.
Despite formerly being a well-known name among League One and League Two fans, Dagenham and Redbridge have now fallen to the sixth tier after finishing 21st in the National League last term.
But Carroll’s presence should help the London side return to the fifth tier at the first time of asking.