Niclas Fullkrug stated that playing for West Ham was difficult after completing a loan move to AC Milan. The forward joined Milan on 2 January on a six‑month deal, which includes an option to buy. Fullkrug, now 32, is targeting a reset in Serie A after a challenging spell in England.
The German striker arrives in Italy following an 18‑month stay at West Ham that brought three Premier League goals from 26 matches. None of those goals came under current manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with Fullkrug making only two league starts and totalling 178 minutes during that period. Milan can choose to sign Fullkrug permanently at the end of the season.
"With Werder and with BVB and the national team, things were going great for those three or four years," Fullkrug
said in his introductory press conference. "I was playing regularly, scoring and getting assists. That's the level I want to get back to. I want to be available and contribute with goals and good performances. "
Before heading to East London, Fullkrug featured in the 2024 Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund and then played an important part for Germany at Euro 2024. The forward contrasted those years with his experience in England, where West Ham changed managers three times during his stay and Fullkrug struggled to settle or secure consistent minutes.
"West Ham wasn't an easy place. I came in after a very long season, with 57 games. I couldn't prepare well in pre-season because of the Euros. I moved to West Ham without being able to prepare on a physical level. Things didn't work out for me in England, but I hope to turn the page. "
Fullkrug explained that he arrived in the Premier League carrying fatigue from that long campaign and international duty. The lack of a full pre-season left fitness short of his usual standards. Milan’s staff are now working to restore those levels so that Fullkrug can again deliver goals and assists for club and country.
"I feel fresh, fit. I've felt good over the last two games. The medical team in Milan have helped me, they've given me an excellent training program. The feeling is good, I hope it continues like this because then I'll be sure to score goals. How many, I don't know. If the ball lands in the box, I will try to put it in the back of the net. We'll see how many at the end of the season, but I hope to score some big goals. "
Fullkrug’s West Ham record shows how difficult that period proved on the pitch, especially in the Premier League, where opportunities were limited despite his status as a Germany international.
Fullkrug now looks to rebuild momentum at Milan, supported by an individual training plan and a run of games. The forward believes sharper fitness will bring back the scoring rhythm shown with Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund and Germany. If the loan spell is successful, Milan’s option to buy offers a clear route to a longer stay.
