Bundesliga top scorer Füllkrug reflects positively on Milan spell: “A truly wonderful time”

Niclas Füllkrug has reflected on his short time with AC Milan, admitting he would have liked to have made more of a mark.

Füllkrug is enjoying a stellar start to the season with Werder Bremen, with 11 goals in nine games across the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, the last of which came on Tuesday with a brace in the cup against his former team, Borussia Dortmund.

The second goal was one of the finest of his career and these staggering numbers put him ahead of some of the great strikers of recent years, including Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane who has 10 goals for Bayern Munich this season.

It has been a fruitful return to Bremen so far, and as a result the German striker is once again being talked about a possible return to the national team under Jurgen Klopp. He spoke to MilanNews journalist Alessandro Schiavone.

Eleven goals already, and we’re not even in November, after your return to Werder Bremen. Could you have scored more with Milan?

“Yes, of course. It’s a new season now, but I could have scored a few more goals and provided a few more assists at AC Milan, too.

“It was a bit of an unlucky period, and not the most effective in terms of goalscoring, but I still think I put in several good performances. It was a truly, truly wonderful time, and I still have great affection for AC Milan.”

Your winning goal against Lecce was a typical Füllkrug goal. What’s it like scoring at San Siro? Is it comparable to scoring at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund?

“Yes, it’s quite similar to Dortmund. In Dortmund it’s a little different, there are still a few more people. But San Siro is amazing! It’s a historic stadium, special and truly, truly wonderful.”

Would you have liked to stay longer?

“It’s difficult, difficult! Ultimately, the decision isn’t down to just one person. There were West Ham and AC Milan. There have been many changes at the top of AC Milan, and so…

“I still follow AC Milan, I watch the games, and I’m still in touch with some of the players and the lads. I wish them all the best. My best friend at AC Milan? Ardon Jashari.”

Milan could have kept you for just €5m, but was it the club that told you they didn’t want to keep you, or did you find out through the media?

“I can’t say anything about that… absolutely nothing (smiles).”

And what about the Champions League failure?

“I’d rather not say anything about that, too, because I don’t know. And then it would be too much…”

AC Milan are having an up-and-down season. Are you still following them?

“When I can, I watch the games. I still have some friends there I’m in touch with. I wish AC Milan all the best.”

Scudetto?

“Let’s see… (laughs).”