The international break gives an opportunity for fans to hear different perspectives as players are interviewed by media outlets in their own countries, with stars generally feeling less guarded about their comments relating to domestic football.
West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug, now an instant Bundesliga success following his summer loan return to boyhood club Werder Bremen, has admitted he still cannot answer the somewhat awkward question of why his spell in east London failed to work out.
The Germany international arrived at the London Stadium in 2024 for around £27million amid high expectations, but injuries and inconsistent form prevented him from making the impact many supporters had hoped for. Fullkrug managed just three goals and two assists in 29 appearances before a loan move to AC Milan during the second half of last season. He then headed back to Germany this summer, rejoining Werder Bremen for a third spell.
Speaking to German outlet Bild, the 33-year-old reflected on a frustrating period in claret and blue, revealing that fitness issues played a major role in his struggles.
“You only have to look at my medical record. I’ve had to suffer a lot,” Fullkrug said, pointing to the injury setbacks that regularly disrupted his time at West Ham.
Despite those problems, the striker suggested there may have been other factors behind his disappointing spell in England.
“I can’t really explain why things went so badly for me at West Ham. England probably isn’t made for me as a type of player or as an athlete either,” he admitted.
While his time in east London will be remembered as a missed opportunity, Fullkrug appears to have rediscovered both his fitness and form since returning to familiar surroundings. The forward has hit the ground running at Bremen, scoring three goals in his opening four Bundesliga appearances this season, as well as adding another in the DFB-Pokal (German Cup).
For West Ham supporters, Fullkrug’s comments will likely reinforce the feeling that his signing was one that simply never got going. Injuries, adaptation issues and a lack of momentum combined to make his stay a disappointing chapter for both player and club.
That said, there is an argument that the forward could have contributed in the Championship campaign, giving Nuno additional depth up front.
Now back in Germany and enjoying a strong start, Fullkrug will be hoping to leave those frustrations behind as he looks to revive the form that once made him one of the Bundesliga’s most effective forwards.
With a contract at West Ham that expires in June 2028, his future will need to be decided. Having joined Werder Bremen on a season long loan, with no loan fee, and a drop in wages, the Hammers will be seeking a fee for the former German international next summer, and it remains uncertain what clubs will want to take on the player who turns 34 years old next February.