“Dear Hammers— Niclas Fullkrug delivers brutal new West Ham statement and says whether he’ll be back

Niclas Füllkrug has offered a brutally honest reflection on his time at West Ham United — and his words leave little doubt that his future lies well away from east London once his loan spell at AC Milan ends.

There is no escaping the reality that Füllkrug’s spell with the Hammers was a major disappointment.

And while his performances on the pitch failed to convince, the German striker never shied away from making his opinions known.

In fact, many West Ham supporters joked that Füllkrug appeared in more interviews than matches during his underwhelming 18 months at the club.

His return of just three goals following a £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund — a deal signed off by former technical director Tim Steidten — only added to the frustration.

A costly mistake that cost Steidten his job

Steidten ultimately paid the price for several failed signings, with Füllkrug chief among them.

The warning signs were there from the start, and supporters were vocal in their doubts about signing an ageing, injury-prone forward with limited mobility.

Those concerns proved justified. Just 18 months later, West Ham sanctioned a cut-price exit, allowing AC Milan to take Füllkrug on loan with an option to buy for just £3.5 million — a staggering drop from the original fee. By then, the striker will be approaching 33 and entering the final year of his contract.

West Ham have already moved on, lining up replacements in the form of Gil Vicente’s Pablo and Lazio striker Valentín Castellanos as part of a £47 million double swoop.

Outspoken to the end

Despite his struggles, Füllkrug never held back publicly. He complained about being benched behind Michail Antonio, criticised the team’s performances, and even labelled the squad “s***” while suggesting players weren’t listening to then-manager Graham Potter.

Injuries kept him sidelined for much of his time at the club, and as his minutes dwindled, so did his commitment. His attitude and visible frustration eventually wore thin with supporters.

Now, the striker has made his stance crystal clear.

“It didn’t work out” — Füllkrug says goodbye

Posting on Instagram, Füllkrug shared a farewell message to West Ham fans, effectively confirming he has no intention of returning after his loan spell.

“Dear Hammers, the past one and a half years didn’t go as I — and surely you all — had imagined,” he wrote.
“Above all, I want to thank you for your support, even when things weren’t always easy.

There are truly special people at West Ham United, and I’m grateful for the relationships I was able to build.
Wishing you all the best for the rest of the season.”

His wording — particularly references to the past — strongly suggests his chapter at the club is firmly closed.

Milan move brings renewed optimism

Füllkrug struck a very different tone when addressing AC Milan supporters, making it clear he is thrilled to begin a new chapter in Italy.

“Ciao Rossoneri, I’m finally here!” he wrote.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to wear this jersey. It’s a great honour to join such a historic club with so much ambition.

I’m ready to give everything and help write the next chapter.”

With his West Ham spell now firmly behind him, Füllkrug appears eager for a fresh start — one that both player and club hope will be far more successful than his ill-fated time in claret and blue.