Füllkrug Shares Insights on His Successful Return to Werder Bremen
Germany international Niclas Füllkrug has spoken about his successful return to Werder Bremen, highlighting how familiar surroundings have allowed him to regain his form after two challenging years abroad. The 33-year-old striker has made a remarkable start to the 2026/27 Bundesliga season, netting nine goals since joining Werder Bremen from West Ham United during the summer transfer window.
Füllkrug’s impressive performances have also secured him a place in the German national team under coach Jürgen Klopp, marking the end of an over-year-long absence. During Tuesday’s DFB press conference in Herzogenaurach, he reflected on his time in England and Italy, where injuries and inconsistent playing time hampered his stay at West Ham and AC Milan.
Despite these obstacles, Füllkrug rejected the notion that his time abroad was entirely unsuccessful. He stressed the significance of family and the positive experiences he had away from football, particularly addressing a description of his time as “terrible.”
“Let me first emphasize that there was never a time in my life during which things were going ‘terrible’,” Füllkrug stated when discussing his less than stellar stint in England. “There are many components to life. Football is important, but my daughter and my family are central. I was able to take a lot from those years and build some fond memories with my family.”
He acknowledged his struggles with fitness, saying, “I simply couldn’t keep fit. That’s all. I didn’t forget anything during these past two years, and I believe I’ve proven that now. I think the key was to be healthy and be on a team that passes to you in the crucial moments. Full praise to my teammates at Werder. I benefit enormously from the way the lads are playing the ball to me.”
Füllkrug’s return has quickly turned into one of the Bundesliga’s most successful transfers this summer. He has reestablished himself as a key player in Werder’s attack with a blend of scoring, hold-up play, and a growing role in the team’s offensive strategies.
His significance in Daniel Thioune’s squad has been notable, as Füllkrug ranks among the Bundesliga’s top scorers in the early season. However, he believes that his personal connection to Werder has also been crucial in easing his transition back into Bundesliga play.
“Werder is simply my home,” Füllkrug expressed while discussing his improved performances. “It’s my footballing home. As you all know, one sleeps the best in one’s own bed. I immediately felt comfortable there. I joined the academy at the age of 14, and, in my estimation, I believe about 70-90 percent of the same people are on staff there.”
He also praised the medical staff and support he’s received at the club, noting, “I’m healthy and there’s a medical department there that takes good care of me. They’ve managed to get me back on track and ensure that I haven’t missed any training sessions. And we have a great team from which I benefit. The transfers that we brought in this summer have all done great. I just happen to be one of them.”
