Former England striker Andy Carroll has revealed that he was sexually assaulted at his home in 2021, saying the experience continued to affect his life and football career.
The 37-year-old disclosed the incident in his newly released autobiography, Owning It, with the details reported by BBC Sport.
Carroll, who was entitled to anonymity as a victim of sexual assault, chose to waive that protection and speak publicly about what happened.
The incident occurred during his second spell with Newcastle United after a friend of his then-partner visited his home to watch a boxing match and planned to spend the night.
Carroll said he was asleep when the assault took place. He subsequently forced the man out of the house and contacted the police after an altercation when the individual attempted to return.
The perpetrator was later convicted of sexual offences and sentenced to three years in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Carroll gave evidence during the court proceedings, describing the experience as deeply distressing and humiliating.
The former England international said he initially hesitated to include the incident in his autobiography and only made the decision shortly before publication after discussing it with his girlfriend, Lou Teasdale.
Carroll said the experience had a lasting effect on his mental and personal life, including his ability to concentrate on football.
He explained that speaking publicly about the incident was difficult but hoped that sharing his experience could help someone else who had gone through a similar situation.
Carroll currently plays for and co-owns non-league club Dagenham & Redbridge. He won nine caps for England and previously played in the Premier League for Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United.
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In making the disclosure, Carroll has also highlighted the long-term impact that sexual assault can have on victims, including after a criminal conviction has taken place.