‘It didn’t go well’ – Niclas Füllkrug opens up on West Ham exit and Milan fresh start

Niclas Füllkrug has spoken candidly about his difficult spell at West Ham United, admitting that the move “didn’t go well” as he begins a fresh chapter of his career with AC Milan.

The Germany international has joined the Italian giants on loan and is determined to revive his form after a frustrating, injury-hit period in east London.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport after his unveiling by AC Milan, Niclas Füllkrug did not shy away from acknowledging that his time at West Ham United failed to meet expectations.

“It’s not an easy place. It was a huge change, it didn’t go well: I hope I can turn the page,” the striker said.

Füllkrug joined West Ham from Borussia Dortmund in August 2024, arriving on the back of an outstanding campaign that saw him help Dortmund reach the Champions League final. Expectations were high, but his London spell quickly unravelled.

The striker’s problems were largely physical. An Achilles issue in September 2024 severely disrupted his early momentum, before a hamstring injury in January 2025 further stalled his progress.

Those setbacks meant Füllkrug never established any rhythm at the London Stadium, and by the end of 2024 both player and club had privately accepted the move was unlikely to succeed.

His agent had pushed for an exit well before the January window, even admitting publicly that the transfer had been a mistake — a sentiment Füllkrug has now echoed himself.

Despite having other options, Füllkrug revealed that Milan’s conviction played a decisive role in his decision to head to Serie A.

“I came here and didn’t go anywhere else because Milan convinced me,” he explained. “I want to play for prestigious teams; for me, it’s a positive pressure to handle.”

The move is also closely linked to his international ambitions. With a World Cup on the horizon, regular football is crucial if he is to re-establish himself in the Germany setup.

Above all else, Füllkrug’s priority is availability — something that proved elusive during his time in England.

“I’m hoping to continue like this in the future,” he said. “I hope to be available again regularly so I can continue where I left off.”

For Milan, the loan represents a low-risk opportunity to add experience and physical presence to their attack. For Füllkrug, it is a chance to reset mentally and physically after a bruising Premier League experience.

Füllkrug will now aim to rebuild confidence and sharpness in Italy, with Milan hoping his pedigree can translate quickly to Serie A. If he can stay fit, the striker has a clear pathway to revive both his club form and international prospects.

For West Ham, his departure closes the chapter on a transfer that never truly got going.

Can Niclas Füllkrug rediscover his best form at AC Milan — or has his West Ham spell permanently altered perceptions of him?