ANDY CARROLL has sent his cult status with Bordeaux soaring.
The ex-England striker plays for less than his rent – but you would have put your house on him hitting the winner against Avranches.
And the Newcastle legend, 35, did just that – to make it five goals in three games for the fallen French giants, who play in the FOURTH TIER following a double relegation over the summer.
This time the former Liverpool star controlled with his first touch and lashed into the far corner with his second.
But despite that 28th-minute clincher, Bordeaux remain in the lower reaches of National 2 – Group B.
That’s after financial problems forced them to turn part-time at the end of last season.
But fans love the way Carroll – who recently enjoyed his first holiday with new partner Lou Teasdale – has embraced a tough gig.
The ex-West Ham and Reading man has revealed he rejected more lucrative offers, including from Saudi Arabia, in favour of Bordeaux.
He told RMC Sport: “To be honest, it even costs me money to have gone to play for the Girondins.
“But I play football and I’m simply happy to play football.”
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
And after seeing his eager finish against Avranches, supporters shared their love for the 6ft 4ins targetman.
One said: “It’s better to play for Passion He’ll be a legend if he takes them back to Ligue 1.”
A second wrote: “What he is doing is for pure football.”
Other verdicts on his latest display included: “He still got it Top player ” and “Wow congratulations to him great job”.
One fan posted: “That’s incredible, Andy Carroll is on fire at Bordeaux, Keep it up.”
Another raved: “Fact that he has sacrificed to play for the club & delivering.”
All in all, Carroll’s definitely tuning up well for his second Christmas in France, havign been with Amiens last season.