Niclas Fullkrug has confirmed a West Ham board leak about him is actually true and in doing so, the striker has dropped a major hint over what’s next for his future.
While some – including West Ham boss Graham Potter – might not like it, Niclas Fullkrug is as honest as the day is long.
Germans are known for their efficiency but also being extremely forthright with their views and Fullkrug has not disappointed on that front at West Ham.
The Germany international’s outspoken outbursts were actually among the highlights for the Hammers last season – so bad was their dismal campaign.
Fullkrug is the latest striker to give life to the “West Ham curse” theory.
Right hero, wrong time for Fullkrug at West Ham?
Although the fabled “Hammers curse” is even extending to Potter’s targets.
The soon-to-be 33-year-old striker made just 20 appearances for West Ham in his debut season after spending six of the nine months of the campaign out injured.
Many fans saw that as so typical of the club’s luck after West Ham paid £26m for Fullkrug.
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He has managed just three goals and is better known for his angry rants about the team.
Fullkrug used an expletive to sum up his move to West Ham when he was out injured.
West Ham head coach Graham Potter and striker Niclas Fullkrug.
Credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
When he eventually returned to the team, Fullkrug launched a volley of criticism at his West Ham teammates and manager, labelling their performances “s—” and saying half the team does not listen to Potter.
Many Hammers fans called for Fullkrug to be made captain for ‘telling it like it is’.
But Potter took a dim view of the situation and dropped the ex Werder Bremen and Dortmund striker, sparking chants directed at the manager by West Ham’s fans.
Fullkrug simply doubled down by firing a warning to Potter that he and his West Ham teammates can’t hide from the truth.
Fullkrug posted a new brutally honest West Ham assessment on social media at the weekend.
Fullkrug admits West Ham board leak about him is true
Now Fullkrug has admitted a West Ham board leak about him is true in a major hint on his future.
Potter says he sees Fullkrug as more of an impact sub at West Ham.
Many feel that means the writing is on the wall for his time in east London.
Especially with his place in the Germany squad on the line next season heading into a World Cup and with Potter looking to reinvent the team around young dynamic stars.
With Tim Steidten – the man who brought him to the club – gone, speculation has been rife about Fullkrug’s future since as far back as January.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Juventus and German clubs wanted Fullkrug in the winter and talks were reportedly held with the player’s agents.
Back in November a prominent Hammers board source who counts majority owner David Sullivan among his closest contacts made a major claim about Fullkrug.
Sean Whetstone reported that his top source inside West Ham revealed Fullkrug has not settled in London and may want to leave.
Now, in a new interview with Sky Sports Germany, Fullkrug has admitted that is in fact true.
Fullkrug admits he doesn’t like big city life in major future hint
“I’m not really a big city type,” Fullkrug said.
“The first few months were challenging.
“You can definitely do some great things in London – even as a family.
“But I’ve always lived in the countryside so far. That’s where I want to live afterward too.
“I don’t necessarily belong in city life. I need to see trees and nature around me.”
This latest blunt admission will no doubt fan the flames of speculation that Fullkrug is set to leave.
With Potter seeing the striker as back-up, that now seems increasingly inevitable.
Especially considering Fullkrug made it clear he didn’t join West Ham to sit on the bench last season.