Niclas Füllkrug says it is a ‘dream’ to be linking up with a squad as full of quality in attacking areas as West Ham United’s.
Füllkrug was a UEFA Champions League finalist with Borussia Dortmund last term, and represented Germany as this summer’s home European Championship – but now is ready to bring his considerable goalscoring talent to the Premier League.
The 31-year-old has been a regular on Bundesliga scoresheets ever since breaking through at the top level with Hannover 96 and Werder Bremen.
It was with the latter that he landed a domestic Golden Boot in the 2022/23 campaign, a season which also belatedly brought him international honours with a call-up to his country's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.
Having been a relatively late bloomer in football terms, the Hannover-born striker is in no mood to let up now he has made the move across the continent to the Hammers.
“I am very happy to be here, also a little bit excited,” he beamed, speaking to West Ham TV. “I can’t wait to get on the pitch with my new mates.
“I think there is a lot of quality here, and for me, it is important to have the guys behind me. It’s a dream because you have [Lucas] Paquetá, [Jarrod] Bowen, [Mohammed] Kudus, and now [Crysencio] Summerville as well.
“There are a lot of very good players who can assist me, and if I get assists then I can score. I believe I can fit into this team very well.
“I think we’ve got a lot of fighting players in midfield and defence as well, and I like the feeling when I know I can go to war with them.”
Füllkrug has already enjoyed success on the domestic and continental stages, twice winning promotion from the German second tier before claiming that aforementioned Golden Boot and collecting a Champions League runners-up medal at Wembley in May.
Now he spies an opportunity to add to that success here in east London, and is already targeting a return to European football this term.
“In Germany, I just played for big and traditional clubs. It was always important for me to have the feeling that the shirt had a bit of weight to it, and I think West Ham are also another big and traditional Club,” he explained.
“I know Tim Steidten very well because we have history at Werder Bremen together, and I had a very nice feeling. I spoke with the Head Coach, I watched some games and I know some players, so from seeing this I can see that there is a lot of quality in the team, a lot more than ninth place, and hopefully we can do better next season and reach the European places in the table.
“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.”
Füllkrug revealed that new Head Coach Lopetegui had a huge impact on his decision to leave Dortmund for London Stadium, saying he believes his style will match the Spaniard's perfectly.
“The manager was a big reason for me making the transfer to West Ham,” he said. “I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now, know the Club now, and have watched some of the games from last season.
“Lopetegui was important for me; 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 when you see the players in the starting XI, they are of such great quality. If we work hard, be brave, and be patient, then we will have a very, very nice season and can surprise some other teams.”
Of his own qualities as a player, Füllkrug is excited at the opportunity which awaits him in bringing his talent to another league.
Thus far, he has done his goalscoring damage in German football, and he is convinced the tools are in place to ensure that rich vein of form continues on these shores.
“I am a strong player, and that’s very important for me,” he confirmed. “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.
“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, as last year I didn’t get as many as I would’ve wanted, which meant I couldn’t bring my strengths as perfectly as I wanted. 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.”
