The German has taken the jersey left vacant by Jovic. He completed his medical exams today, and West Ham’s clearance to add him to the squad is expected soon
Germany’s number 9 at the last World Cup. The number 9 at Euro 2024. The number 9 at the Nations League finals in May. Niclas Füllkrug adds a 9 to the list: he has chosen the striker’s jersey and will wear it with Milan starting January 2. A choice of the heart with a touch of courage, because at Milan, the number 9 is a complicated number—one worn by club legends like Van Basten, Inzaghi, and Weah—but for years it has been cursed. Matri, Torres, Destro, Luiz Adriano, Lapadula, André Silva, Higuain, Piatek, Mandzukic, Jovic last season: many have tried to fill it but ended up being crushed. The only one to wear it with style was a French lad from the Alps who could have been a model in life: Olivier Giroud.
Matchday and schedule with Milan—  Füllkrug spent his December 23 with Milan: visits to the Madonnina, more medicals, a stop at Casa Milan for photos and videos for social media. It was his first day as a Rossonero, even though the transfer won’t officially go through until January 2, per regulations. Tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, Füllkrug is expected to undergo some physical tests at Milanello, then he’ll leave Italy for Christmas. He’ll return in time for the first training sessions, provided West Ham—and there shouldn’t be any issues at all—grants permission for the German to train with another team before the paperwork is finalized. Milan will train on the afternoon of the 26th and will depart for Cagliari on New Year’s Day, where they will take the field on January 2 at 8:45 p.m. Someone should remember to pack a jersey with the number 9.