England footballer Andy Carroll gave an exclusive interview to his local paper after he completed his controversial £35m transfer this week.

The striker spoke to Newcastle daily the Evening Chronicle after his move from Newcastle United to Liverpool was completed on transfer deadline day.

The Chronicle has followed Carroll’s career from the start and following the announcement of his move, he contacted the paper keen to tell his version of events.

And the interview – in which Carroll revealed he had never really wanted to leave – was widely followed up by national media, including the BBC, Sky Sports, the Daily Mail, Guardian and The Sun.

Editor Paul Robertson said: “We have always had a good relationship with Andy Carroll, a local boy – whose career we have followed from the youth team through to England international.

“Andy was clearly emotional and wanted to get his message out to Newcastle fans through the Chronicle – a paper he trusts and knows is read by so many supporters.

“Clearly, the club had a different take on the transfer and we duly reported the views of manager Alan Pardew ahead of the afternoon press conference.

“In print and online – our website had a record number of hits – it meant we continued to be on top of the story – with our coverage being used on TV, radio, websites and other print media.”

He added the Chronicle had worked closely with Trinity Mirror sister title the Liverpool Echo on its coverage, to ensure readers in both areas were given a ‘unique local perspective’ on the transfer.