Saelemaekers praises ‘incredible’ Füllkrug and admits to feeling adductor discomfort

Alexis Saelemaekers has admitted that he was forced off with adductor discomfort, but not before experiencing the delight of setting up the winning goal against Lecce.

It looked like being another frustrating night for Milan against a struggling team after 74 minutes, but then a moment of quality finally led to a goal. Matteo Gabbia’s ball over the top found Saelemaekers’ run, and he hooked in a perfect cross for the substitute Niclas Füllkrug to head home.

It was of course a first Milan goal for Füllkrug, and a winner at San Siro under the lights will feel sweet. The result moves Milan three points behind Inter again, but perhaps more importantly seven clear of fifth place in the table, so a gap has appeared at last.

Füllkrug ‘incredible’

Saelemaekers spoke to DAZN after the full-time whistle to offer his assessments on what was a difficult night for Milan but ultimately a big win that he played a big part in. MilanNews relayed what he had to say.

You got the assist, how are you after limping off?

“I’m trying to do my best for the team. I got the assist today. I felt something in my adductor, but I didn’t take any risks because it was the end of the game and I didn’t want to put the team in trouble. I’d prefer someone who’s 100% fit and can make the difference come on.”

You set up Füllkrug’s first goal…

“We know what an incredible striker Nic is. He’s already proven it in the past. Having a striker like him is important, and we’re happy to have him with us.”