WERDER.DE: What memories do you have of the boarding school?
Niclas Füllkrug: Flo was always a coach who could help his players reach the next level. Even in times where I had problems, he looked after me and sometimes came and had a chat with me. I was still basically a child there. It’s brilliant that you get such people working with young players. People like him make the club what it is. That’s why they have such a good reputation among other clubs, and that was the reason why I moved from Hannover to Werder as a kid.
WERDER.DE: You became a professional footballer here, and scored your first Bundesliga goal in the Weser-Stadion. How did you feel when you left Werder back then?
Niclas Füllkrug: There was fairly significant upheaval in the club. I was happy for a long time in Bremen. Thomas Schaaf and Klaus Allofs introduced me into the group well. I’m particularly thankful to Schaaf and how brilliantly he handled me. I think it’s a totally legitimate reason to leave when it’s not working out so well after such upheaval. I had to take a step backwards and play in the 2. Bundesliga, and I’m very happy that I was able to come out better for it.
WERDER.de: Was the move to Nürnberg the decisive step for your career?
Niclas Füllkrug: I grew up there, both on and off the pitch. My performances really improved during my second year. I scored a lot of goals, despite not playing that many minutes. Werder actually had the option to buy me back, but then I moved to Hannover instead. Who knows, perhaps it was just meant to be. Now I’m back here, which I find crazy.
WERDER.de: But you are mainly happy?
Niclas Füllkrug: Of course. It’s always sad to leave your hometown, especially when your whole family live there. I wish Hannover 96 all the best. Hannover will always remain my hometown, but I’m excited for the new surroundings at Werder – the coach, Frank Baumann and the team. I will do everything I can to fit in as quickly as I can. I think together we can achieve a lot.