If ever there was a story detailing the importance of attitude over ability, then this tale of overcoming adversity – in the end – involving one of West Ham’s worst transfers of the Steidten era – is certainly that.
Having vowed never to write another Niclas Fullkrug story I find myself drawn yet again to his remarkable mental resilience and fortitude, re-launching his career at 34 years old ‘back home’ in Germany after failing so conclusively at both West Ham and AC Milan – just in case anyone wants to point the finger at a Hammers’ coaching failure being solely to blame for his misfiring.
This is a player who lost his international squad spot, couldn’t stay fit for love nor money (although he had plenty of that) and eventually after a very public, failed loan in Italy, rediscovered himself and his form back in his Bundesliga home.
Life in the old dog yet at 34 – Niclas Fullkrug
He’s even got his international call up from Jurgen Klopp.
Fullkrug is now the German top league’s top scorer. Just reflect on that for a second.
The guy who scored three times in two years as a West Ham player. Probably he’d have done better without missing half the club’s games through injury. As Bild.de suggest, Fullkrug has found his happy place and may never leave:
“It is possible!:Will Füllkrug stay with Werder forever?”
Runs their headline, confirming that they want to keep ‘Fulle’ even once his playing days are over:
“There have already been talks about a follow-up contract with us and the idea is still concrete. It is quite conceivable that we will tie him to the club after his career. I really appreciate his football expertise.”
Which suggests that Fullkrug has already done enough to earn another deal at Werder Bremen, meaning he’s likely never, ever coming back. Sadly, neither is the £27 million, or the nine million salary which he’s had as a West Ham player – thats three million per goal. Nice work if you can get it.
We have to demand a fee for him at the end of his fantastic goal scoring year (more goals than Kane currently) or tell him to come back. Someone will cough up say 3m for him.