The former England striker has thanked the public for their messages of support after speaking openly about being sexually assaulted by a man.
Andy Carroll has thanked fans and the wider public for the wave of support that followed his decision to speak out about being sexually assaulted by a man. The former England striker shared his experience publicly, and the response has clearly meant a great deal to him.
Carroll, who built his name as a towering presence up front for Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham, is far from the first sportsman to find that the hardest battles happen away from the pitch. His willingness to speak openly about something so personal is a reminder of how much courage it can take to come forward.
Stories like this matter because sexual violence against men is still under-discussed, and many survivors stay silent out of fear of judgment or disbelief. When a recognisable figure from football speaks plainly about what happened to him, it can help others feel less alone and more able to seek help.
For now, Carroll's message is one of gratitude. The outpouring of kindness he has received shows how a supportive response can make a real difference to someone who has chosen to share their truth. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, reaching out to a trusted person or a local support service is a strong first step.

