“Simply unforgettable”: what Karim Adeyemi says about his time at BVB | OneFootball

For almost a year, the German national team played without him. In the Nations League match against the Netherlands (1:1), Karim Adeyemi (24) celebrated his comeback for Germany. The former Dortmund player has his successful run at FC Barcelona to thank for it.

In eight appearances for the Catalans, Adeyemi has scored three goals and set up three more. The speedy winger has mostly been used as a substitute. So far, his coach Hansi Flick (61) has only named him in the starting lineup three times.

Although he has mostly started out on the bench, the Munich-born forward has made a dream start in Barcelona. Not everyone would have expected Adeyemi to already have six goal contributions. But the former BVB striker brings exactly the pace and goal threat his head coach had hoped for.

Flick brought the Germany international to Catalonia after his development had stalled, and is now being rewarded for his courage. After just eight games, Adeyemi has become one of the team’s defining figures alongside the outstanding Raphinha (29), and has already won over the fans.

“I still need to learn the language, which is very important to me,” Adeyemi already identified as one area he needs to improve in an interview with the sports newspaper AS. But he said he feels “really good” and is looking forward to “spending much more time here.” His contract with Barça runs until 2031.

Choosing between Nigeria and Germany

Adeyemi’s father is from Nigeria. He therefore could also have played for the “Super Eagles.” But the decision in favor of Germany came early. “I enjoy playing for Germany, and it’s an honor,” the 24-year-old emphasized, adding: “Sometimes my father asks me, ‘Why didn’t you play for Nigeria?’ But I’m happy with Germany.”

Photo: Getty Images

Before Adeyemi made his breakthrough in Dortmund, he spent a year in Bayern Munich’s youth setup (2010/11). Via SpVgg Unterhaching, RB Salzburg and their feeder team FC Liefering, he eventually found his way to BVB. “I’m from Munich, so I was a Bayern fan,” the striker admits. But “over time, Borussia Dortmund became my favorite club.”

Adeyemi says: “As a teenager, I watched a lot of their games. I like both clubs and have great memories of my time at FC Bayern, but my time in Dortmund was simply unforgettable.” Two things in particular have stayed with him: “The stadium and the fans are incredible,” he says, looking back.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.