£35m striker still watches Newcastle play when he can despite leaving club 13 years ago

How has it been over 13 years since Mike Ashley sent Andy Carroll packing to Liverpool under Alan Pardew's nose for £35million?

It was the transfer that shocked Newcastle United fans as our star striker and local lad Andy Carroll was sold to Premier League rivals Liverpool for a British record fee of £35million on deadline day leaving the Magpies absolutely no time to bring in a replacement.

The whole deal was done behind gaffer Alan Pardew's back and was also done against the will of the player who wanted to remain at his boyhood club.

We can only imagine how good Carroll would have been had he stayed put

Carroll was really starting to build up a head of steam at Newcastle after finding his form in the Championship for the Magpies and then carrying on his good form into the following season in the Premier League. Liverpool came knocking, Newcastle quoted what they thought was a ridiculous price, Liverpool agreed to it and off he went with only Mike Ashley happy with the deal at the club.

Alex Livesey via Getty Images

Carroll went on to have an injury and controversy-riddled career which included a highly unsuccessful return to St James' Park under Steve Bruce, but the 35-year-old is still enjoying his football now at Ligue 2 side Amiens in France where he's racked up three goals and an assist in 25 appearances in all competitions.

The former West Ham forward has been speaking to L'Equipe (via Sports Witness) about life in France and what he plans to do when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

“There are some good pubs that I enjoy watching football in. I’ve watched Champions League matches there, especially when Newcastle were playing. There’s nothing here I don’t like.

"I’ve just had breakfast with my wife. She asked me the same question: ‘After the contract, what’s your plan?’

“And my plan is to continue playing. Obviously, I’d like to have another year at Amiens. If not, I’ll look for an opportunity to play elsewhere. For the moment, I’m not looking to retire. I love playing football.”

Carroll has his priorities right

"There are some good pubs ... there's nothing here I don't like" - You can take the Geordie out of Newcastle ...

We can't be the only ones amazed that he's still going at 35 after all the injuries he had when he was supposedly at peak fitness.

Still, it's great to see that the lad is happy and that he still gets to follow the Toon from his new home in France. We still wonder what might have been if Mike Ashley hadn't been such a greedy so-and-so with no desire to succeed.