The Germany striker joined West Ham United from Borussia Dortmund in 2024 but struggled to establish himself during his time in London. He scored only three goals and provided two assists in 29 appearances before moving to AC Milan on loan for the second half of last season.
Füllkrug then returned to Werder Bremen on loan in the summer, and his form in Germany has been a sharp contrast to his difficult period in the Premier League.
Speaking to Bild, the 33-year-old pointed to his medical history when asked about the problems he encountered at West Ham.
“You only have to look at my medical record. I’ve had to suffer a lot, but almost never because of muscle injuries.”
Füllkrug said the injuries had made it difficult to establish any rhythm, but he stopped short of offering a definitive explanation for why the move never worked.
“I can’t really explain why things went so badly for me at West Ham. England probably isn’t made for me as a type of player or as an athlete either.”
His comments come after an encouraging start to his third spell with Werder Bremen. Füllkrug has scored four goals in five competitive appearances since returning to Bremen, including goals in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
The forward has also acknowledged that staying fit has been a major difference this time around. His current run of games has allowed him to regain the regular involvement that proved difficult to maintain during his time at West Ham and Milan.
“Now I just hope that everything stays the way it is.”
The contrast is especially striking because Füllkrug had arrived in England with an established reputation as a Germany international and a proven goalscorer in the Bundesliga. His move to West Ham was intended to give the club a focal point in attack, but injuries repeatedly interrupted his involvement.
His time at AC Milan produced another change of surroundings without resolving the problem. Returning to Bremen, where he first made his senior breakthrough, has instead given him the opportunity to rebuild his confidence through regular football.
BILD's report noted that his strong start in Germany has already restored some of the attention that surrounded him before the difficult period in England. Füllkrug's immediate priority, though, is simply to maintain the fitness that has allowed him to play consistently again.
Füllkrug remains under contract with West Ham until 2028, meaning his performances in Germany will be relevant to the club's plans beyond his current loan.