The German took the shirt left vacant by Jovic. He completed his medical examinations today, and West Ham will soon give the green light to add him to the squad

Germany’s number 9 at the last World Cup. Number 9 at Euro 2024. The number 9 at the Nations League finals in May. Niclas Füllkrug adds a 9 to the series: he has chosen the center forward’s jersey and will wear it with Milan from January 2. It was a choice made with his heart and a little courage, because at Milan, the number 9 is a complicated number, worn by club legends – Van Basten, Inzaghi, 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 guy from the Alps who could have been a model in life: Olivier Giroud.

day and schedule with Milan—  Füllkrug spent his December 23 with Milan: visits to the Madonnina, other exams, a stop at Casa Milan for photos and videos for social media. It was his first day as a Rossonero, even though the transfer will only be official on January 2, according to regulations. Tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, Füllkrug is expected to undergo some physical tests at Milanello, then he will leave Italy for Christmas. He will return in time for the first training sessions, if West Ham—and there should be no problems at all—grants permission for the German to train with another team before the paperwork is completed. Milan will train on the afternoon of the 26th and leave for Cagliari on New Year’s Day, where they will take to the field on January 2 at 8:45 p.m. Someone remember to pack a jersey with the number 9 on it.