Newcastle United legend ups ante for PSG clash with 'incredible' opinion

Former Newcastle United star Andy Carroll has added to the emotion ahead of tonight's Champions League meeting between the Magpies and Paris Saint-Germain by heaping praise on his hometown club.

The Geordie, who is currently playing for Amiens in Ligue 2 having left League One side Reading this summer, spoke to the official Ligue 1 site about how Newcastle United have developed since he left the club at the end of the 2020/21 season.

The giant talisman, who made 134 appearances for the Magpies, promised to do his best to be at the Parc des Princes to cheer his beloved Newcastle United on against PSG. He said: "It's incredible to see the club's evolution. Just two years ago I was there with players who are now competing in the Champions League like Jacob Murphy and Sean Longstaff.

"The club has recruited superbly over the last couple of seasons and Eddie Howe has also played a huge role in developing the club. I'm still in contact with my teammates from the time and I'll do everything to support them at the Parc des Princes."

Carroll began the 2023/24 campaign at Reading, making two League One appearances, but soon moved to Amiens to replace the departing Papiss Cisse - another former Newcastle United hero. The 34-year-old from Gateshead has made 11 appearances for Amiens this term, scoring two goals.

While speaking to the Ligue 1 site, he was also asked about his partnership with Michael Owen while at Newcastle United. Carroll said: "I was very young at the time but Michael was a striker I admired a lot when I was a kid, so it was fantastic to be working with someone who was a role model for me. He had a very long career and sometimes gave me advice, as well as others because he helped everyone on the pitch."