Lucas Paqueta sends message as West Ham United exit finally confirmed
Lucas Paqueta was among the West Ham United players to react after Niclas Fullkrug’s exit was officially announced.
Fullkrug has been closing in on a move to AC Milan for a number of weeks and had even started training with the Serie A heavyweights.
It was confirmed by Milan, West Ham and indeed Fullkrug on Friday that a deal has now gone through, initially on a loan basis.
Milan have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. Notably, it is not an obligation.
Fullkrug could make his Milan debut as early as Friday evening against Cagliari as he was registered ahead of the deadline.
Niclas Fullkrug sends farewell to West Ham supporters
Fullkrug has been a terrible signing for West Ham – of that there is absolutely no doubt.
Signed for £27million from Borussia Dortmund ahead of last season, Fullkrug has struggled for form and fitness throughout his time at the London Stadium.
The Germany international now has a chance to kickstart his career at San Siro, even if only until the end of the season.
Fullkrug posted a message to West Ham fans via his personal Instagram account shortly after his exit was confirmed by the Hammers, writing: “Dear Hammers. The past one and a half years didn’t go as I – and surely you all – had imagined.
“Above all, I want to thank you for your support, even when things weren’t always easy. There are truly special people at WHU, and I am very grateful for everyone I met and the relationships I was able to build.
“Wishing you all the best for the rest of the season!“
Paqueta was among those to react, posting three love heart emojis, while Konstantinos Mavropanos posted a love hands emoji and a raised hands emoji.
- Read more: Sky Sports journalist apologises to fans over latest transfer news: ‘That is so West Ham’
Fullkrug move to Milan not what it initially seemed
West Ham are set to bring in Taty Castellanos and at least one other new attacker imminently.
Even if little is known about Castellanos, he will not be any worse than Fullkrug. As brutal as that is, it is the truth.
| Position | Team | Games | Points |
| 1 | Inter Milan | 16 | 36 |
| 2 | AC Milan | 16 | 35 |
| 3 | Napoli | 16 | 34 |
What is somewhat surprising is that Milan have the option to buy Fullkrug. That means the German could be back in East London in a little over four months’ time.
Should Fullkrug flop in Italy – and there is no reason to suggest otherwise – he will be back at West Ham and have six months fewer to run on his contract come the summer window.
West Ham need to hope this decision pays off, as on the face of it it surely would have made more sense to hold out for a permanent exit this month.
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