Andre Gray Believed His English Playing Career Was Over

Plymouth striker Andre Gray, who returned to England in October after two years playing in Greece and Saudi Arabia, has stated he thought he would never again have the opportunity to play in England. The 33-year-old scored two outstanding goals – the second arriving in the final moments of stoppage time – to secure a 2-2 draw for Argyle against Watford in the Championship on Friday. Gray joined the Pilgrims last month as a free agent on a short-term agreement, having been without a club since his departure from Saudi Arabian side Al-Riyadh in the summer. He had not played in England since 2022, when he left Watford to join Greek club Aris. “I thought that ship had sailed,” Gray informed BBC Sport. “Unfortunately, for whatever reason, when you seem to leave England and go to Saudi Arabia, probably not so much Greece, I think people look at you differently.” Gray added, “They have a lot of questions about your mentality and whatever.” “For me, it’s frustrating because I know, in my head and heart, how I still want to play and I feel like I’ve still got it to play at this level.” Gray made over 200 appearances in the Championship for Brentford, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, and Watford; the latter two clubs collectively paid more than £20m in transfer fees for the forward. However, he mentioned that he struggled to find a team willing to sign him after returning from a season in the Saudi Pro League, where he netted seven goals as Al-Riyadh finished 14th in the 18-team league. “Everyone seems to think ‘oh, he’s gone to Saudi, he wants this much money, he wants that much money’,” Gray further commented. He clarified, “It was never the case. If you give me the opportunity then I’ll come and prove my point.” Gray asserted, “I’ve got no reason to come all the way down to Plymouth if my mind wasn’t in it.” He concluded, “It’s a waste of my time to travel all this way, it’s not close, so I’m very grateful that they gave me an opportunity. Everything happens for a reason and I’m here now.” Plymouth Argyle head coach Wayne Rooney described Gray’s low, angled first-half volley as a “world class” goal. Gray stated that he had never scored two better goals in a single game than the pair he registered against Watford. His first-half equaliser was a controlled right-footed low volley from a long diagonal ball, while his second was an excellent curling effort into the top corner from the left corner of the 18-yard box. Argyle head coach and England’s former record goalscorer Wayne Rooney remarked, “His second goal was a fantastic finish. But I think the the first goal – I know how difficult the technique and concentration you need for the ball going over your shoulder – it’s world class.” Gray’s position in the starting line-up was only confirmed hours before kick-off after his team-mate Ryan Hardie withdrew due to a minor groin injury. Gray is currently contracted to the club only until January, and Rooney indicated that discussions would take place regarding the striker’s potential to remain for a longer period. Rooney stated, “We’ve got a lot of games coming up between now and January and we will sit down, of course, and have a conversation on how we move forward.” He added, “You can see the quality he’s got and the importance he’s having on the team, so I’m sure before January there’ll be conversations in place and we’ll see where they get to.”