Andy Carroll was on £80,000 a week during his time at Liverpool, but he is now earning below the French minimum wage for a full-time employee
The 36-year-old striker, who cost Liverpool £35million when they signed him from Newcastle in 2011, is currently playing for Bordeaux in France's fourth tier.
A report by newspaper L'Equipe revealed this week that Carroll is earning just €1,614 gross per month at Bordeaux, which is less than €1,400 after tax.
That figure is below the French minimum wage of €1,801.80 gross for a 35-hour work week, meaning Carroll is officially classed as a part-time employee at the club.
Carroll's modest deal reflects Bordeaux's current financial struggles.
The six-time French champions were forcibly relegated to the National 2 after declaring bankruptcy last year.
But Carroll - who scored 54 goals for Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham during his Premier League career - is seemingly happy with his modest income.
In an interview with L'Equipe earlier this season, he said: 'I rent a nice little house and my salary is less than my rent. If I joined Bordeaux, it's obviously not for the money.'
Carroll has scored eight goals so far this campaign, with seven matches remaining in the league.
He could earn a €2,000 bonus if he reaches ten goals or assists combined.
While his professional circumstances have changed dramatically, Carroll's personal life has also undergone a significant transformation.
The former Premier League star is now dating celebrity makeup artist Lou Teasdale, having made the relationship Instagram official over Christmas.
The couple have been enjoying romantic holidays and getaways in recent months, including a ski trip to Megeve in the French Alps to celebrate Andy's birthday.
Lou, 41, recently posted a heartfelt tribute to Carroll on social media, calling him 'my favourite person I've ever met.'
Carroll's relationship with Teasdale comes after his split from wife Billi Mucklow, who he married in 2022 following an eight-year engagement.
The pair confirmed their divorce last September after secretly separating earlier in the year. They had been together for 11 years.
In an interview with The Times late last year, Carroll gushed about his new partner and her charitable nature, revealing how she was spending Christmas volunteering to help the elderly and how she supports LGBTQ+ causes.
'She says to me, "Why would you hate anyone?" That's someone I need in my life,' Carroll said.