As a proud member of the so-called ‘striker’s union’, it should not come as much of a surprise that Olivier Giroud is speaking out in support of West Ham United misfit-turned-AC Milan flop Niclas Fullkrug.
After finding the net only once in 16 appearances for the Rossoneri, the Germany international did not even get off the bench as Massimiliano Allegri’s Champions League-chasers limped to a 1-0 win at doomed Hellas Verona on Sunday.
The Fullkrug signing has been an ’embarrassing failure’ for Milan, according to one unimpressed Serie A reporter.
Why do you think Niclas Fullkrug failed?
Yet, one of his San Siro predecessors – Olivier Giroud – feels that West Ham United £27 million signing is not solely to blame for Milan’s underwhelming returns in the final third.
Olivier Giroud defends West Ham United misfit Niclas Fullkrug
“What do you want me to say? This is perhaps a season where there’s a lot of pressure on number nines,” Giroud, still going strong with Lille at the age of 39, tells Milan News.
“It’s not easy for them to score a lot of goals, but I think it’s essential to have a team behind you that makes the difference. A striker can’t do everything alone.”
Milan are currently second behind runaway leaders Inter Milan.
But, since Fullkrug arrived just 48 hours into the new year, the Rossoneri rank fifth in Serie A when it comes to ‘expected goals’ created. Bologna, Atalanta, Como, Juventus and Inter have all created more chances in 2026.
Furthermore, of his 16 appearances, only three have been starts.
“It would be too easy to blame them [the strikers alone],” Giroud adds when asked about the failings of Fullkrug and a one-time West Ham target, Santiago Gimenez.
“When the number nine doesn’t score, it’s always ‘your fault.’ I don’t like that. Even when I scored, I always thanked the team and my teammates for helping me.”
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Milan and Werder Bremen turn noses up at permanent transfer
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this month that Milan will send Fullkrug back to West Ham when his loan deal expires.
Despite having the option of signing the former Dortmund targetman for a low fee of around £4 million, Fullkrug has not even done enough to present himself as a useful back-up option for next season.
Finding a buyer for a 33-year-old striker earning a reported £90,000-a-week won’t be easy.
Former employers Werder Bremen have ruled out bringing Fullkrug back to the Bundesliga already, highlighting his sizeable pay-packet as a stumbling block.
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