West Ham loanee Niclas Fullkrug has come under scrutiny from a former international goalscorer.
Fullkrug departed the Hammers during the January transfer window after a disappointing 18 months in East London.
He joined Italian giants AC Milan on a short-term loan deal, with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Fullkrug has also struggled in Serie A and has now been called out by ex-Germany striker Patrick Helmes.
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Niclas Fullkrug receives criticism from ex-Germany international
Fullkrug was never expected to be a prolific goalscorer in Milan, but his output has been unacceptable.
The West Ham loanee has scored just one goal (against Lecce) in 17 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri.
It goes without saying that Milan have absolutely no interest in making his loan deal permanent this summer.
Former Bayer Leverkusen and Germany goalscorer Helmes has now told Fullkrug to “look in the mirror” after his dismal loan spell.
“Things didn’t work out at West Ham, and we all hoped that by joining AC Milan in the second half of the season, he’d get more playing time,” Helmes told MilanNews.
Why do you think Niclas Fullkrug failed?
“But things didn’t work out, and he failed to make an impact at AC Milan. One goal for a striker is too little.
“It’s up to him to address this issue with the AC Milan staff. The club gave him this platform to express himself and the chance to score… and ultimately, if you don’t do that, you have to take responsibility.
“And in the long run, he’s simply not playing well. This isn’t the club’s or his teammates’ fault. Fullkrug should take a look in the mirror.”
Fullkrug is highly unlikely to be given a second chance at West Ham next season, with a permanent departure on the cards.
He has been heavily linked with a return to the Bundesliga, which could give him the best chance of rekindling some old form.
West Ham would reportedly be willing to accept a minimal fee for the 32-year-old just to get his salary off the wage bill.
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