New West Ham United forward Niclas Füllkrug believes he can take his game to the next level under the watchful eye of Head Coach Julen Lopetegui, and is relishing feeling the pressure of performing in the famed Claret and Blue shirt.
The Hammers are set to complete their pre-season preparations for another summer when they return to London Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Spanish opponents RC Celta de Vigo, who finished 13th in La Liga last season following a strong finish under boss Claudio Giráldez.
German international Füllkrug, who joined the Club on the back of an outstanding season at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, could be in line to make his first Hammers appearance in east London this weekend alongside fellow summer signings Crysencio Summerville and Guido Rodríguez.
Now, having linked up with Lopetegui’s squad for pre-season following their return from the Sunshine State Tour of Florida, Füllkrug says he is ready to show West Ham fans what he has to offer.
“The manager was a big reason for me making the transfer to West Ham,” said the 31-year-old, who penned a four-year deal with the Hammers earlier this week.
"I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now. His play-style is important for me, and I need this to bring my best performance on the pitch. He knows that and will try to give me this.
“We have so much quality in this team, and if we work hard, be brave, and be patient, then we will have a very, very nice season and can surprise some other teams and hopefully do better next season and reach some European places in the table.
“I have spoken with him [Lopetegui] already, and I like him a lot. He has a lot of authority and is also a lovely person. He shows a lot of emotions, spoke very honestly to me, and gave me some very good examples on how I could work within the team. After this chat, it was clear I wanted to move to West Ham.
"I am very excited to be here. That is why I love these traditional things at a big Club like West Ham because I want the shirt to be a bit weighted when I wear it, as I like the pressure. The fans want to see a successful team, see a team that gives everything on the pitch, and I hope they will be happy with me as I always give my best.”
Some might say West Ham’s new No11’s route to the Premier League has been a long time coming, but Füllkrug’s rise to the top has been a slow burn rather than the story of a one-season wonder.
Since becoming Germany's oldest debutant in a generation in 2022, he has scored 13 goals for his country and become a cult hero. Now, he hopes to do the same at West Ham.
"I’ve had some bad injuries throughout my career, which has been frustrating, but throughout the last four years I have felt very fit, and I think this is the most important thing for my career and how it’s gone to where I am now,” Füllkrug continued.
“I am very happy about it, but I am still very hungry to go on like this and reach some more goals with West Ham. It’s a very important season for me as it’s the first time I have played in a different league abroad, so it’s very important for me to show my qualities in this league. My aim here is to get West Ham back into European competition and to play these big games.
“My work rate is very high on the pitch, and I always try to work off the pitch a lot. I have a very good feeling at the moment and feel very strong, very fit, and am in shape, and the West Ham fans can look forward to seeing me play in this shirt.
“I am a strong player, and it’s very important for me. I am not only a strong player, but I also like to come into the number ten position and come towards the ball. I am capable with both feet and have good aerial ability as well. These are my strengths, and I think in the last few seasons I have been able to show that I can assist as well. If I can turn in a good position, then it is difficult to defend against me. Hopefully I can show it a lot this season and score. If I get assists then I can score and believe I can fit into this team very well.
“I think one of my biggest qualities is scoring goals, and the fact I am able to score with my left foot, right foot, and also my aerial ability. I hope for a lot of crosses. I think we have a lot of good players on the pitch. We have Emerson, who runs up and down the line all the time, and James [Ward-Prowse], who has the best set pieces in the world. I’m very excited for the season ahead.
“I’ve scored goals in every league and at every club, which I am very happy about. My football journey has been up and down throughout different levels, but I am very happy to have had a career like I have and to now be in the Premier League. It is a very good moment for me to make this move because I am very confident. I’ve scored in the Champions League and scored at the Euros, so I have a lot of confidence that I can reach those same levels in the Premier League with West Ham."
It hasn't always been an easy ride in football for the Irons’ new forward – but Füllkrug, who finished as the Bundesliga's joint top scorer in 2022/23, is an example that hard work always pays off.
And he hopes to use his experience throughout the Club to help his teammates and inspire Academy of Football stars.
“I think I am a good example that hard work pays off," Füllkrug said. "I’ve had a lot of injuries, but I’ve never stopped working. It makes me proud to have achieved that in my career and to be doing the things that I am now, as at my age of 31, it is not normal to reach the Premier League at such a big club like West Ham.
"I always try to be early at the training ground and am one of the last people to leave as well. I always stay longer on the pitch and try to improve my technique and my shots on target, while in the gym I try to work a lot. I think it is normal that you try to get better, and it doesn’t matter what age you are.
“I will also try to help young players, like I have at my previous clubs. I will try to be a leader in the team, and having that leadership is very important if you want to be successful as a team, as you have to grow together as a team.
“I want to help with this and want to be the first person who shows we have to work hard. I will also bring emotions and love to the team, which I think is also very important because everyone should feel comfortable if they step into the dressing room. We are one group, one family. This is the best league in the world and the best players should play in the best league, and if you want to be one of them, then you need to prepare yourself to play here and show your qualities.
“Hopefully these young players can look up to me and see that if you work hard, then you can reach new levels.”
