Not Just Goals, How ‘Top’ Niclas Fullkrug Has Already Won Over His AC Milan Team-Mates
The on-loan frontman scored the winning goal against Lecce.
Niclas Fullkrug has enjoyed a superb start to life at AC Milan, and his team-mates already love him.
Niclas Fullkrug Wowing On And Off The Pitch At AC Milan
Fullkrug joined Milan on loan from West Ham earlier this month and needed just five matches to open his tally.
The striker’s bullet header proved the difference in a crucial 1-0 victory against Lecce last time out, sending the San Siro crowd into raptures and keeping the Rossoneri on course in the Scudetto race.
Just three minutes after replacing Christian Pulisic, Fullkrug clambered highest to meet Alexis Saelemaekers’ delivery and glanced into the back of the net – a memorable first goal for his new club.
According to Quotidiano Sportivo, the 32-year-old was brought on after taking painkillers to help ease discomfort from a broken toe. He had also loaded up on pain relief tablets before his cameo against Como.
Willing to put his body on the line, it is little wonder Fullkrug is already a popular figure in the dressing room.
Reviewing Milan’s win, the DAZN studio panel focused on the target man’s performance. Former Inter Milan and Udinese boss Andrea Stramaccioni then lifted the lid on Fullkrug’s impact on the squad.
“He’s a locker room man, a positive player and famous for his performances in the Germany locker room,” he said.
“He often encourages and motivates his teammates before a match, even when he’s not a starter. He’s a player of international calibre, both on the pitch, as the centre forward for the German national team, and on a human level.”
Fullkrug already looks like a bargain for Milan, having joined with an option to buy set at just €5m. There is no permanent obligation, with the Rossoneri to make a decision on his future at the end of the season.
Regardless, Massimiliano Allegri believes the veteran is indispensible, and recently praised him for his fast start.
“His arrival was devastating because of the enthusiasm he conveyed,” said Allegri.
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Milan Team-Mates Praise New Signing’s Impact
As evidenced by a flood of social media comments from his team-mates, Fullkrug has made a big impression.
The ace posted an eye-catching series of photos of his celebrations after scoring against Lecce, alongside the caption: “Absolutely no words for this!
“Incredibly happy and proud to score my first goal in this insane atmosphere, my new home! Grazie mille for your (once again) outstanding support!”
In response, Matteo Gabbia simply wrote, “You’re a great one”, while Rafael Leao added, “Well done, mate”.
Samuele Ricci, meanwhile, described him as “top”.
Adrien Rabiot, Mike Maignan and international team-mate Nick Woltemade also left glowing comments.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing, though, after Fullkrug was robbed. Thieves made off with €500,000 worth of jewellery, taken from a safe in his Milan hotel room. The police are currently investigating.
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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