Karim Adeyemi reveals how Bayern Munich exit shaped his career

Barcelona striker Karim Adeyemi has opened up about his personality, life, and football journey, saying he always acts naturally and does not try to impress others in a forced way. He also spoke about choosing to represent Germany, his early experience with Bayern Munich, his speed, and his charity projects in Nigeria.

In an interview with AS, Adeyemi was asked what he did first after arriving in Barcelona. He replied: "I went to the beach, to the sea, and swam. I think that was the thing I enjoyed most. I still do that from time to time. It's the perfect choice: enjoying the beautiful weather, although I also like staying at home."

He added: "I like staying at home with my family. I only go out occasionally, maybe once or twice to eat out. But I prefer being at home and going to the beach—that's what relaxes me and what I need in life."

The Barcelona forward spoke about his family background and culture, as his father is Nigerian and his mother Romanian. He said: "I think every culture has its own traits—they are definitely not the same. But over the years, I have learned to create my own culture."

He continued: "I try to be a good person and stay true to my principles. It's a mix of several aspects: I learn something from every culture, and that has been very important for me, both in my childhood and now."

Adeyemi explained his decision to play for Germany, saying: "I grew up in Germany and I love it. In the end, we all know the quality of the national team. For me, Germany was the best at that time, and I think it is still among the best in the world. I decided to go there and I don't regret it. I enjoy playing there, and it's an honor for me. Sometimes my father asks me: Why didn't you play for Nigeria? But in the end, I'm happy with Germany."

Regarding his speed, Adeyemi denied that a Nigerian dish called 'fufu' was the reason for his pace. He said: "I think it's hereditary from my father's side, although my mother was also very athletic in her youth. My father always says I got my speed from him—he even claims he was faster than me, though I don't believe that (laughs). Both were athletes, and my father played football too, so it's definitely inherited from them."

The player revealed his involvement in charity projects in Nigeria through a foundation he owns, explaining: "It's a very important project for me. We dedicate a lot of time to helping people there, organizing things, and seeing what we can do for them—getting children off the streets through football or education."

He added: "My parents are always involved in trying to develop projects, and we recently built a hospital for a region in Nigeria. We also have a football club for teenagers and are working to provide housing for the homeless. I try to go every year."

On his playing style, Adeyemi said he relies on instinct on the pitch: "My best games are those where I don't think about anything on the field, and my moves come naturally. I try to create things and hope they work."

He continued talking about Barcelona and its fans: "I'm very happy and honored to be at this club (Barcelona). The fans know that. I'm not the type to try to impress others in a fake way—I act naturally and am always honest. I always aim to give my best to win titles. The fans' love is amazing."

Adeyemi also spoke about his beginnings with Bayern Munich, revealing he spent three years with the club as a youth: "They let me go. Being from Munich, I was a fan of the team, but over time Dortmund became my favorite. I watched many of their games during my teenage years. I love both clubs and have great memories from my time at Bayern, but I really enjoyed my time at Dortmund—the stadium and fans are amazing."

He also spoke about his wife and her music career, describing her as "the best German rapper." He said: "There's no one like her in Germany. You can see her talent in her music, and I enjoy listening to her. We support each other in our careers, but in the end, we focus on our work and enjoy our time together."