It's difficult to think of a player who's been quite as popular on West Ham United’s pre-season camp in Germany as Niclas Füllkrug.
The forward is one of the biggest footballing names in his home country and beloved by supporters there, and on each morning this week, the 32-year-old has arrived for training to the loudest cheer as he and his team-mates continue their work in Donaueschingen.
Despite being somewhat tired after the previous hours’ exertions, he has soaked up the attention in the Black Forest every day, patiently signing autographs and taking photos with fans who have lined up outside the training facility gates.
Indeed, the Hanover native is in fine spirits, jovial and engaged. There is a sense that his time to shine is coming.
Following his arrival from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund last summer, Füllkrug endured the cruel misfortune of separate injuries during his maiden West Ham season, but quickly became a fan favourite, a cult hero with the Claret and Blue faithful.
His first term didn’t go as intended, but there were signs of Füllkrug’s undoubted ability, with our No11 putting in some excellent displays and notching three goals and two assists in just 788 minutes of top-flight action.
Spend a day with Fülle 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/uy1BRc273l
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 14, 2025
During the off-season, he worked overtime to ensure he is in peak condition for the beginning of the fresh Premier League campaign, and his target now is showcasing his skills and avoiding the injury setbacks that hampered his 2024/25.
Certainly, Füllkrug believes he is on the right path to doing just that.
“I'm very happy. I am feeling very good after the difficult season last year,” he said.
“The break [during the summer] was good. I really enjoyed it with my family and spending time with my wife and daughter, and I’ve got a lot of new energy, and I’m really looking forward to playing football again.
“I worked so much during the off-season. I spoke a lot with our fitness coaches, and I did a lot of running to build stamina and to build the legs. I was working nearly every day, and it helped me a lot because I'm in a very good place already.
“I love pre-season. It's very, very hard work, and it’s the time for us to know each other more, to be every day together, to train together and to spend some time together.
“It’s the best I’ve felt. It (last season) was a tough season for me, but now a new season starts, and I have a very good feeling about it.
“We’ve trained for almost one week here [in Germany], and it feels very good to be back. I love my country, and we have very good conditions and good facilities to work really hard, so everything is perfect.
“It’s also brilliant to see some supporters, and we really appreciate it. Whenever I come to Germany, the people are so kind and send me a lot of love, and I feel so appreciated by them, so I'm very thankful for that, and I'm very proud of that.”
As well as his team-mates, Füllkrug is enjoying working and building relationships with Head Coach Graham Potter and his staff during pre-season.
While Potter has already made a sizeable impression on his players in east London, who all appear to be in a happy place, Füllkrug admits he hasn't yet shown his best form in a West Ham shirt and is ready to take full advantage of a fresh start.
Meanwhile, he also says he feels very wanted and appreciated by the Claret and Blue faithful, which is important for any footballer, and he appreciates the fact he already has several songs dedicated to him in the stands.
“I'm really relaxed [about the season ahead],” added Füllkrug.
“I think a lot of West Ham fans know what I’ve done in my career and the goals I’ve scored, so we will see what happens this season.
“I hope I can get to the same level again, maybe better, and show them what I can do, but most importantly help the team and the Club to get positive results and achieve the targets we set.
“We’re all aiming for success next season, and I'm pretty sure we will do just that.
“[Adapting to the rigours of the Premier League] was testing because it’s very intense and a high level, but I think I can get to that level in time, and hopefully this season is going to be even better.
“I really enjoy the love I get from the West Ham fans. Their support during games, not only for me but also for the team, is incredible, and the chants towards me are lovely.
“Now, I think it's very important that we trust the coach and the whole Club, and the supporters trust the coach.
“We need that confidence that he will make us a better team, a better group, and we all trust that he will do that.
“It takes time, and pre-season is very good for that. It was a difficult time when he took over [in January], so I'm really looking forward to what we can do after the coach has had a whole pre-season with us.”
