Niclas Fullkrug says he is unable to explain why his time at West Ham went so badly and believes England may not have suited him as a player.
The Germany striker joined West Ham in 2024 in a £27 million transfer but struggled to meet expectations during his time at the club. He made 29 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Fullkrug spent the second half of the season on loan at AC Milan before returning to Werder Bremen this summer. The move marked his third spell with the club where he began his professional career in 2006.
Speaking to Bild, Fullkrug said recurring physical problems had affected his performances at West Ham.
“You just have to look at my medical record. I suffered a lot, but almost never from muscle injuries,” he said.
However, the forward experienced muscle problems on several occasions during his time in England.
Fullkrug said he had no clear explanation for why he failed to find his best form at West Ham.
“I really can’t say why things went so badly for me at West Ham. England probably isn’t very suitable for my type of player, or rather, my type of athlete. Now I just hope that everything stays as it is,” he said.
The 32-year-old has made an encouraging start since rejoining Werder Bremen. He has scored three goals in his last four Bundesliga matches and has also found the net once in the DFB-Pokal.
Fullkrug’s return to Werder is his third spell at the club. He first came through their system before starting his professional career there in 2006.