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      Liverpool legend and Champions League winner announces shock retirement aged just 33 after three months unemployed

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      FORMER Liverpool star Joel Matip has retired from football at the age of 33.The centre-back quits football after spending the last three months unemployed.Joel Matip has retired from footballCredit: GettyThe defender won six trophies in his time at AnfieldCredit: GettyMatip joined Liverpool in 2016 and spent a glittering eight years at Anfield.He made 201 appearances for the club and formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk.Matip helped fire Jurgen Klopp’s men to six trophies including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.The Cameroon international left Merseyside at the end of last season when his contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis last appearance came in a 4-3 win over Fulham in December 2023 after he suffered an ACL injury.Matip did not find a new club over the summer despite reports linking him with moves to West Ham and Bournemouth.And the ex-Schalke star has now decided to hang up his boots for good.Liverpool said in a statement: “Everybody wishes Joel and his family the very best for the future.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans reacted: “This is way too soon, he could still play at the top level.”Another added: “One of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League over the past five seasons.”How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldMore commented: “No way, he was genuinely a top top player just two seasons ago.”Klopp praised Matip before he left Liverpool, saying: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.”I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined.Joel Matip’s careerCareer2009-16 | Schalke: 258 appearances, 23 goals2016-24 | Liverpool 201 appearances, 11 goals2010-15 | Cameroon: 27 appearances, 1 goalHonoursSchalke DFB-Pokal: 2010–11DFL-Supercup: 2011LiverpoolPremier League: 2019–20FA Cup: 2021–22EFL Cup: 2021–22Community Shield: 2022Champions League: 2018–19Super Cup: 2019″I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly.”Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.” More

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      Inside EFL giants’ abandoned stadium plan to build 40,000-seater new home next to infamous PRISON

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS were once close to leaving their iconic ground and moving to a stunning new home next door to a prison.Loftus Road has been the Championship club’s home since 1917 and they remain there today.Stunning images show what the ground would have looked likeCredit: QPRThe new home was going to be up the road from an infamous prisonCredit: QPRQPR remain at their iconic Loftus Road homeCredit: PABut back in 2013, QPR chiefs had plans drawn up to ditch the 18,439 capacity stadium for a new 40,000-seater.At the time, the Hoops were in the Premier League and managed by legend Harry Redknapp.QPR wanted to increase their revenue and then-chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build a new stadium.The local council were eyeing a major regeneration project in the Old Oak area – just two-and-a-half miles from Loftus Road.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandes was keen to seize the opportunity to move across West London, unveiling plans for a stadium dubbed New Queens Park.Incredible computer-generated photos were released to show fans what the ground would look like.One stand has three tiers and there are several new-build apartments overlooking the stadium.The plot of land used would have seen QPR move just up the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFernandes said at the time: “Loftus Road is – and always will be – a special place for the club and our supporters, but we need more than an 18,000 capacity.”Not only will this give us a top quality stadium to cater for QPR’s needs as the club progresses and grows over the years ahead, but we are very excited about being the driving force behind creating one of the best new urban places in the world. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepair”This will be the catalyst for the regeneration of a forgotten area.”However, the plans never made it any further after the club were relegated to the Championship in 2015.Yet they did look at moving grounds again in 2018, when they looked at redeveloping the Linford Christie Stadium.The local running track and football pitch is a mile away from Loftus Road and is also next door to Wormwood Scrubs, as well as Hammersmith Hospital.But a year later, QPR announced they were abandoning plans to modernise the Linford Christie Stadium.The club remain keen on replacing Loftus Road and are reportedly looking for investors to pump cash into “Project Big Ben”.They want to “produce a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium, as part of a major regeneration in West London.”What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Laura Woods glows in first pic of growing baby bump as newly-engaged star prepares for motherhood with Adam Collard

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      LAURA WOODS glowed in the first picture of her growing baby bump.The TNT Sports presenter, 37, announced her pregnancy with Adam Collard in July.Laura Woods showed off her growing baby bump on InstagramCredit: InstagramIt was a whirlwind summer for Woods as she also got engaged to Adam CollardCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurawoodsyThe popular presenter is preparing to become a mumCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyThat came after working throughout Euro 2024 and keeping the joyful news a secret.But after going public between the Euros and Olympics in the summer, she has now taken to Instagram with a photo of the bump.Woods took to her story on Friday night with a black-and-white snap decked out in a white T-shirt and comfy joggers as she looked down lovingly at her belly.She opted against captioning the post to her 765,000 followers and let the proud picture speask for itself.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWoods spent three weeks in Paris fronting Eurosport’s coverage of the Olympics before returning to the UK for the 2024-25 football season.But it was not long until she announced more wonderful news on social media.In September, Woods and Collard got engaged.The happy couple started dating last year and the former Love Island star got down on one knee on the beach in Cornwall to pop the big question. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe glamorous star then beamed live on TV as she showed off her stunning engagement ring.Woods is the lead presenter on TNT’s Champions League football and the diamond dazzled on screen during the build-up and reaction to Manchester City’s home clash with Inter Milan. Laura Woods and Love Island boyfriend Adam Collard announce they are expecting a baby in adorable postShe has also continued her boxing work with TNT Sports – and even had to apologise live on air when Tyson Fury dropped an F-bomb during an interview. The former Sky Sports and talkSPORT host has not announced when the baby is due or when the loved-up pair will tie the knot just yet.But fans and colleagues have expressed their overwhelming excitement for the popular presenter.Jack Grealish, Ally McCoist, Piers Morgan, Fran Kirby, Ray Parlour, Carlton Cole, Tony Bellew and John Terry’s wife Toni were all among the celebrities to comment on the engagement post. Woods has continued working for TNT Sports this seasonCredit: PAShe spent the summer in Germany then Paris covering the Euros and OlympicsCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Woods and Collard started dating last year and are set to tie the knotCredit: Instagram / @adamcollardFans and colleagues flooded their engagement post with supportive commentsCredit: InstagramHow Laura Woods tamed Love Island bad boy Adam CollardHE was one of Love Island’s most notorious bad boys – but one woman seems to have changed all that.Personal trainer Adam Collard, 28, has been dating Euro 2024 presenter Laura Woods, 36, since 2023.The former loverat has called her “The One,” spent Christmas with her – the first time he’s done so with a girlfriend since he was 21 – and kept their relationship relatively out of the limelight, seemingly on Laura’s wishes.It’s a far cry from the man who admits himself he’s been “ruthless” in the past, claims to have had 25 girlfriends, and spent many years partying and juggling flings with girls including Zara McDermott and Lottie Moss.Relationship expert Jo Hemmings says: “He’s now 28, he’s a professional with a job, and I think he just went off the whole idea of ever realistically meeting somebody on a TV show.“He’s now met somebody who is also a professional, and is only on TV as a byproduct of what she does in sport.“He’s got himself in a comfortable place. Financially, he’s older, he’s more mature, he’s more settled.“He once played into this roguish character that people saw him as, and became a parody of himself. But look who’s laughing now.“He’s got a fabulous girlfriend, they’re in a long term relationship, he’s well off, he’s still in the public eye, and he’s getting on with his life in the way that I think he always wanted.”Read the full article here More

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      Andy Carroll: West Ham was a really stressful time, I was at rock bottom, just falling apart and making bad decisions

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      ANDY CARROLL admits he hit “rock bottom” during his time at West Ham.The 35-year-old is now playing away from the limelight with Bordeaux in the French fourth tier.Andy Carroll has opened up on his struggles while in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersHe is now enjoying life with fourth tier French club BordeauxCredit: AFPCarroll made the shock move in the summer after the club were relegated two divisions due to falling into administration. While many chase a final career payday, the nine-time capped England star is enjoying a “quieter and relaxed” life in France.He admits he is much happier now after battling injuries during his years in the Premier League with Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham.Carroll opened up to Foot Mercato, admitting on his days at the Hammers: “It was a really tough time in my life. It was a stressful time for me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was at rock bottom, everything was dark. “It was hard to get back up. I was just falling apart and making bad decisions. It was just really tough. “As a player, you just want to be out there playing. But sometimes you hear people saying: ‘Oh, he’s still injured, he should retire.’ Things like that that are not nice. “At that point you are in a hole, in your shell and you are just trying to get out of it. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Luckily, I managed to get out of it and I had a positive ending. “So now I just love playing football. I get paid to play football. I get paid to do what I love.Watch Andy Carroll score twice in a ‘PARK’ and celebrate wildly as he tears up fourth tier of French football “I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career. I have been on the bench, been a bit-part player and off the pitch sometimes, only playing the last ten minutes. “I just want to finish my career playing as much as possible. And it is not about money. It is just about enjoying my life.”Carroll, who recently divorced his wife Billi Mucklow and started dating Lou Teasdale, is reportedly on £750-a-week at Bordeaux.The target man is already proving useful for the fallen giants, scoring four goals in his first two games. Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Iceland 2 Wales 2: Craig Bellamy’s men throw away two-goal lead as Dragons lose ground on Turkey in Nations League group

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      CRAIG BELLAMY suffered the first setback of his Wales reign as his team chucked away a two goal lead.Brennan Johnson’s goal-scoring streak now stands at seven games after he tapped in the opener before Harry Wilson added a second.Wales keeper Danny Ward produced a late own-goal leveller for IcelandCredit: APLogi Tomasson celebrates sparking Iceland’s second-half comeback winCredit: APBrennan Johnson celebrates his Wales opener but the hosts fought backCredit: APThe Dragons were cruising at the break but then Iceland stormed back with sub Logi Tomasson bringing them back into it.He also forced an own goal off keeper Danny Ward three minutes later as Wales were left clinging on to a point in the end.Such an end to the game looked impossible as the visitors ran riot early on.Wilson sprang the offside trap to go through on goal and his effort was partially stopped by home keeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe got back to stop the ball trickling over the line but could only divert it into the path of Johnson who couldn’t miss.That was only a fourth goal in 31 internationals for the Spurs man – but seven in his last seven games for club and country.Wilson’s deflected shot struck a post but he did not have to wait long to double his team’s lead as he latched onto a sweeping pass from Neco Williams.The Fulham man was again in the clear and his first touch was brilliant – giving him the chance to despatch it past Valdimarsson.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilliams then made his mark at the other end as he got back to clear a shot by former Burnley man Johann Gudmundsson off the line.But the Dragons were a constant threat going forward and Sorba Thomas could have wrapped it up when he ran onto Wilson’s through ball but was denied by Valdimarsson.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe only disappointment in an otherwise perfect first half for Bellamy’s men was a yellow card for Johnson – for a needless skirmish with Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.That means he misses Tuesday night’s home game against Montenegro – and he did not reappear after the restart.It was a very different game after the re-start with Mikael Ellertsson firing over and Orri Oskarsson bringing a smart save out of Ward.Andri Gudjohnsen – son of former Chelsea forward Eidur – fluffed a golden chance while Gudmundsson was denied by Ward.But from the resulting corner, Tomasson was given far too much time to shoot through a crowd of players and into the corner from the edge of the box.And three minutes later he beat Connor Roberts and his low cross from the left was diverted into his own net by Ward’s elbow. READ MORE SUN STORIESNow it was Iceland who looked the more likely to win it and the Dragons were relieved to see Thorsteinsson’s shot hit the base of the post.The draw leaves Wales second in their group, two points behind Turkey.Craig Bellamy watched on frustrated as the Dragons couldn’t hold onCredit: AFP More

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      James McAtee pays tribute to tragic pal George Baldock as Man City star scores dramatic late double in England U21s win

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      JAMES McATEE paid tribute to George Baldock after firing a late double to seal an epic comeback over Ukraine.McAtee lifted his shirt up twice to reveal the name of his old Sheffield United team-mate, who was found dead in a swimming pool in Greece on Wednesday.James McAtee marked his two goals for England U21s with another tribute to George Baldock, who he played with at Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyMcAtee shot home twice from the 88th minute to clinch victoryCredit: GettyMcAtee remembered Baldock before the match and during itCredit: GettyThe Manchester City starlet played alongside the former Greek defender in loan spells at Bramall Lane over the past two seasons.And after both his fine finishes for the Young Lions, McAtee peeled his shirt up to show a white top with the words “GB 2 REST EASY BROTHER X”.Ahead of kick-off, the 21-year-old had posted: “I love you to bits brother, thank you for looking after me and also thank you for the memories that we shared together.”Thoughts go out to your amazing family. Special player, special teammate, special person.”READ MORE TOP STORIESOn the pitch it looked like the Young Lions would endure the same fate as the senior side the previous night as Dynamo Kyiv defender Taras Mykhavko put Ukraine ahead on 70 minutes at a sold-out Vitality Stadium.But McAtee, who has made just one Premier League appearance for City this season, saved the day with a ferocious strike into the top corner on 88 minutes.He then wrapped things up by firing in a fierce, low drive for the winner two minutes later to give Pep Guardiola some food for thought following his first-ever City goal against Slovan Bratislava a week ago.The defending champions are now two points behind Group F leaders Ukraine with one match to play against Azerbaijan next Tuesday, while the table-toppers will take on Serbia.Most read in FootballEngland were in the driving seat for most of the game with Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson being teed up by Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene, but blazing over the bar.The best chance of the first-half came 23 minutes in when McAtee stung the hands of an onrushing Ruslan Neshcheret with a rasping, close-range shot.Winger McAtee turned the game around after Ukraine led 1-0Credit: GettyTragic George Baldock is shown waving to Blades’ fansCredit: GettyAfter the break, the Young Lions had a fire lit in their bellies with Neshcheret tipping a rocket strike from Liam Delap over the bar before McAtee fired one agonisingly wide moments later.England were wasteful in front of goal though and scuppered another peach of a chance as Philogene broke free in front of goal but fired straight at Neshcheret.Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer George Baldock caught on live TV after shock win over England The hosts shirked their defensive duties and Kostiantyn Vivcharenko nearly poked one home before Jack Hinshelwood cleared the danger.England should have seen the warning signs as Mykhavko headed home after an inch-perfect corner from Oleh Ocheretko with half-an-hour to go.The hosts were handed a golden chance to get back in it when Maksym clattered into McAtee on the edge of the box before the winger equalised and hit the winner.The Young Lions are now two points behind group leaders Ukraine More

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      I’ve refereed Cristiano Ronaldo matches a number of times… Man Utd legend is very difficult and complains a lot

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      A HONDURAN referee has lifted the lid on a heated exchange he had with a “difficult” Cristiano Ronaldo after revealing what it’s truly like to manage the superstar on the pitch.One of the spats ended with the Portuguese striker later offering a sincere apology.A Saudi Pro League referee has detailed his experience of working with Cristiano RonaldoSaid Martinez claimed Ronaldo became irate after two goals were ruled out by VARSaid Martinez has officiated a number of games involving Ronaldo throughout his career.And he has now recounted one particularly edgy incident involving the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star.Martinez claimed that he was refereeing an Al-Nassr game when he disallowed two of the 39-year-old’s goals for offside.An irate Ronaldo reportedly made his feelings surrounding the quality of Martinez’s officiating known.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMartinez told Mexican outlet Mediotiempo: “Cristiano Ronaldo is very difficult due to his temperament.”He is a very competitive person, which makes him feel there’s a lot of injustice towards him, so he complains a lot.”We disallowed two goals for him, with VAR and everything, but there was a play that upset him because he felt he was fouled in attack, leading to a goal against them. They were losing.The 33-year-old added: “He stayed 10 metres away from me and said: ‘It’s always the same with you lot, you always think you’re the stars.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”‘But we don’t bring you here to be the stars, we are the stars’, in perfect Spanish.”He started calmly but then got agitated and I just looked at him provocatively to see if he would get closer to me, but he didn’t.” Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnHowever the Fifa-accredited official spoke to Ronaldo about their disagreement in the tunnel after reviewing the incidents.The referee said: “After checking the VAR, I asked him to come closer. Cristiano is Cristiano, and if he doesn’t want to come, he won’t.”But he came over to where I was and I said to him: ‘You’re a great player, but what you said at half-time isn’t right. I respect you a lot, but we’re here to do our job just like you are’.”He replied: ‘Yes, you’re right; it wasn’t the right way to express myself. I apologise’.” Ronaldo’s ultimate expression of regret speaks volumes about his sporting personality.Martinez then revealed that the Portugal captain left him alone in the second half and went on to score a stunning free-kick.Meanwhile, Ronaldo has received 12 red cards in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOf those, eight were direct red cards and four dismissals have come through double yellow cards.The former Juventus star was booked for dissent during Portugal’s defeat to Georgia in Euro 2024.Ronaldo is known for his passionate defences on the pitch More

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      ‘He reeks of football’: French fans in love with Andy Carroll as he reveals how he ended up in country’s FOURTH division

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      ANDY CARROLL has proven to be an instant fan favourite across the Channel after making a stunning transfer switch to fourth tie of French football.Carroll, 35, completed a surprise move to crisis club Bordeaux from Amiens in September.Andy Carroll has made himself an instant fan favourite at Bordeaux after scoring four goals in two gamesCredit: AFPCarroll revealed the reasons behind his attraction to the clubCredit: AFPThe former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham ace has had an electric start to life in the French wine region with four goals in two games, and helping the club land their first win of the season in his last game.Last season Bordeaux played football in Ligue 2, but gave up its professional club status and were relegated down to the fourth tier of French football after going into financial administration.However, Carroll has revealed that the fallen giants maintained a huge appeal to him before he was convinced to join by head coach Bruno Irles.Speaking to Foot Mercato, Carroll said: “I had the opportunity to do it. I had the chance to speak with the coach. I like the idea of ​​this project to go back up to Ligue 1 and it’s something I wanted to do. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When I spoke to the coach, I was very confident about what we could achieve here in Bordeaux. That’s probably the main reason why I signed here in the summer. “Of course, it’s also a very big club with a huge fan base, great facilities and that’s something I want to be a part of…”I don’t think I needed any convincing honestly. Bordeaux is a very big club and as soon as I had the opportunity to sign here, I did it. “I was enthusiastic about trying to come and play here, I’m happy, even glad, to have done it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen asked about the drop down from professional football to amateur, he said: “Not at all. It’s just football. No matter what level you play at, it’s still football. And it’s something I want to do. “A few years ago, when I was out of contract and had no club, I used to play every week with my friends. Andy Carroll ‘playing 5D chess’ as former England star steals show on debut after dropping down to fourth tier”We used to play 11-a-side games on Thursday nights. And playing football is something I’m going to continue to do as much as I can…”Not at all. Football is football. I mean, there are obviously different pitches, but at the end of the day, it’s football. “I’ve played on a lot of pitches in my career and it’s true that it’s not great when the pitches are not good quality. But I haven’t complained since I’ve been here. “We have a fantastic training pitch. The stadium pitch is incredible. We’ve played away too and it was a decent pitch. I’m not complaining at all.”Fans were loving the nine-cap England international’s response, with one saying: “He reeks of football.”A second said: “Bravo, he exudes passion”, while a third said: “Top mentality of the player.”Yeah, but I mean, I get paid to play football. I get paid to do what I love. And if I wasn’t a professional footballer, I would have played football anyway and I wouldn’t have gotten paid. Andy CarrollFoot MercatoAnother said: “Very good mentality, respect.”While one added: “What a godsend for a player with his experience. A total star.”He revealed that his friends and family were all “happy” for him and wanted him to enjoy playing football.Carroll added that upon learning of his desire to join Bordeaux, they told him to “sign right away”.However, Carroll has admitted that some of his team-mates did not understand his decision to make such a sudden drop down the divisions.He added: “(Laughs) Yes, there are several players who have asked me what I was doing there and why. Carroll reveals plans to keep playing for Bordeaux until he’s 40ANDY CARROLL wants to keep playing until he hits 40 – and dreams of partnering his eldest boy up front.The ex-Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham striker enjoyed a dream debut for Bordeaux with two goals to earn a draw with Chateaubriant.And despite years of injury issues during his time in the Premier League, the nine-capped England international says he wants to continue “another five years until I’m 40”.Carroll, father to sons Lucas, 14, Arlo, eight, and Wolf, five and two daughters, said: “My sons keep saying, ‘Oh, you should go into management’.”But I’ll keep saying well, ‘hopefully, one day, you’re old enough that you can join me and be my strike partner in the same team playing with each other’.“They are really good players. So that’s probably more my dream than retiring and doing something else.”Read the full story by Gary StonehouseHERE.But I know why I signed here and I know it was the right decision. It’s a big club and I’ve said it before, but I want to be part of this adventure. “And when I spoke to the coach, everything went exactly as I wanted.”Despite his positive outlook on the situation, it has not been all rosy for him, with Carroll admitting that “everything was dark” as he struggled to battle injuries.He said: “Yeah, but I mean, I get paid to play football. I get paid to do what I love. And if I wasn’t a professional footballer, I would have played football anyway and I wouldn’t have gotten paid. “I’m grateful for the money I’ve earned in the past and still today, it allows me to continue playing football. That’s exactly what I wanted for myself. I just want to play. “I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career, I’ve been on the bench and I’ve been a bit player on and off the pitch sometimes. Only playing the last ten minutes. It was a really tough time in my life [at West Ham], really. It was a stressful time for me. I was down in the dumps, everything was dark. It was hard to get back up. I was just falling apart and making bad decisions and mistreatment and bad things. As a player, you just want to be out there and playing.Andy CarrollFoot Mercato”I just want to finish my career playing as much as possible. And it’s not about money. It’s just about enjoying my life…”It was a really tough time in my life [at West Ham], really. It was a stressful time for me. I was down in the dumps, everything was dark. It was hard to get back up. “I was just falling apart and making bad decisions and mistreatment and bad things. It was just really tough. You know, as a player, you just want to be out there and playing. “But sometimes you hear stories, people saying, ‘oh, he’s still injured’, ‘he should retire’ and things like that that are not nice. “At that point, you’re in a hole, in your shell and you’re just trying to get out of it, because it can be dangerous. “Luckily, I managed to get out of it and I had a more positive ending. So now I just love playing football.”There has been a lot of press about my injuries and other things, and it is not helpful. Those who know me know that I did not want to be injured and I want to be on the pitch to help the team. “But the press had been very negative with me saying that I did not want to be on the pitch and that I should leave the club. But for me, I have always been motivated by the idea of ​​playing and being on the pitch. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And maybe sometimes I was too motivated, I forced myself when I was probably not 100%. I collapsed. It is part of the things that you have to experience to learn. But I feel very good now.”Carroll revealed that he was loving the “quiet” lifestyle in southwest France, having been “very well received” by a “great group of guys” in the dressing room.Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More