On Saturday, Dortmund and Real Madrid play each other in the Champions League: only one of the two will lift the trophy. A match that will be very special for everyone, but even more so for Fullkrug, who has not exactly had an easy few years.
"I've been out for 800 to 1,000 days because of injuries. I've been out for three seasons, with knee injuries, ankle injuries... I've been to the operating theatre many times and I've fought hard to come back and be here. I know what I've worked for, what I've suffered and I deserve it, sincerely", he told 'Marca' for those who don't know his story.
Fullkrug is not afraid of the fact that Real Madrid are the favourites because he is clear that his team are the favourites "in the stands". "The whole of Europe knows our fans. What we have seen on our pitch has not been seen anywhere else," he said.
The player said that, as Dortmund progressed in the Champions League, he was getting excited: "I had the feeling that if we got out of the group alive, we could go a long way. This is the Champions League and we know how tough it is, but after the group stage our confidence grew. We beat PSV and then the games with our fans have been incredible. We have flown with them.
He noted that the squad is very calm, "confident" with the season they have had. "We have played against great teams and the next one is waiting for us in a very special situation, in the biggest game you can play. I can only say that we are in the countdown, nothing more," she continued.
Fullkrug said they are "ready" to take on Real Madrid, although he admits they are a more than difficult team. "You can have the game under control and, in a second, a goal.... We have the necessary weapons to face the final and we have quality. We have to focus on our strength. Madrid are different to everyone else, they go and go, and they want the ball the whole game," he said of their opponents.