Adeyemi: Ronaldo is the strongest player i've faced, Messi is the best in my heart

Adeyemi gave an exclusive interview to Mundo Deportivo during Barcelona's training camp at St. George's Park. He is slowly integrating into the team, is friendly to others, and is confident about his and the team's prospects. He explicitly stated that he never hesitated to join Barcelona.

How did Flick convince you to come to Barcelona?

The word "convince" is not appropriate. He just called me and asked me directly if I wanted to join Barcelona. I had almost no hesitation and told him that of course I would, because it's the greatest club in the world, and such a rare opportunity only comes once in a lifetime.

He didn't need to try to persuade me. I have trusted him for a long time and have great respect for him, and when I received the invitation, I was filled with joy.

What do you think Flick expects from you?

I hope he sees the qualities in me that can contribute to the team on the field. He knew me well in the national team, and we have a good personal relationship.

Have you had the opportunity to join Barcelona in the past?

There were some superficial contacts, but nothing ever materialized.

You played against Barcelona in the 2025 Champions League. What was it like to play against this team?

Wow. That's definitely one of the highest-level games you can participate in. When you face a great club with a rich history, a strong top team, and compete head-on with the strongest opponents in football, you can't help but be full of fighting spirit.

Those two encounters were very tough, with intense confrontations on the field, but even so, we enjoyed the game.

You almost completed a comeback in the second leg.

It was really close, if we had a little more luck, we could have won the game.

You've never played at Camp Nou before, what are your expectations for this experience?

I think it will be wonderful. I know the stadium isn't fully finished yet, but my friend, this stadium carries a profound history, and it would be wonderful to be a part of its story.

Presumably, you want to return to the national team. Can playing for Barcelona help you achieve this goal?

I think that's true, but ultimately everything depends on me proving myself with actual performance on the field. Whether I can successfully return to the national team is entirely in my own hands; external factors can't help me much.

I firmly believe that as long as I continue to deliver consistent and excellent performances on the field, I will definitely be called up to the national team and successfully selected.

Is there any Barcelona match that left a particularly deep impression on you?

Of course. The most classic and historically significant one was against Paris Saint-Germain; I think that was one of the craziest games in football history. There were many other games, but that one left the deepest impression on me.

How do you define your playing style?

Speed is undoubtedly my characteristic, but I also have a lot to offer the team: speed, one-on-one ability, I can play on the wing or as a center forward. I think I'm versatile, and perhaps that's what makes me different.

Do you remember how you started playing football?

Yes, I started my football career at a small club in Munich. From the beginning, I played with children older than me. When I played on the street, my playmates were also older than me.

Among the players you've played with, who was the best?

I think Reus is one of them, and Thomas Müller is also very strong.

And among the players you've played against, who was the best?

He wasn't at his best in one game, but I once played against Ronaldo, who is one of the top players in history.

Is Messi the best player in your opinion?

Absolutely.

Who is your best friend in football?

It's hard to choose, but I would say Reus, we have a very good relationship.

What are your expectations for this season?

I have a strong feeling that this will be an excellent season, and I sincerely hope our team can work hard to win many championships.

A bright and great future is quietly waiting for us. We are incredibly eager to win all the honors we can contend for, and we are fully capable of achieving all of this, which is the true meaning of our hard work and all-out effort on the field day after day.

You were a Champions League runner-up. Now that you've come to Barcelona, do you want to get your revenge and fulfill your dream?

Of course, winning the Champions League has always been my dream. I was once just one step away from this trophy, but unfortunately I lost in the end, but this is always my relentless pursuit, and I work hard every day to achieve it.

You haven't trained with your World Cup teammates yet; they will arrive at the base in a few days. What impression have the young players from La Masia left on you?

These young lads have excellent ball control and show full fighting spirit in every training session, taking training very seriously.

I genuinely appreciate these qualities. The team has a lot of excellent young players with great potential. After seeing their performance, I have nothing but positive comments about them, I can't find anything negative to say.

Are you afraid of competing with Lamine Yamal for a position on the field?

No. I don't fear any opponent. I know that if I give my all, I will get playing time.

What do you do in your free time?

After coming to Barcelona, I hope to go to the beach and enjoy the sun. There isn't much sun in Germany, and I hope to enjoy the sun here with my family.

Do you watch a lot of football matches when you're at home?

Honestly, no. I've never been the type of person who knows every player and every name by heart, or who memorizes all kinds of football information.

Some people might find my approach outrageous because of this, but when I go home and take off my player hat, I just want to relax and do things that are completely unrelated to football.

How much do you know about Catalonia?

Nothing at all, I've never been here before.

What's your ideal place for a relaxing vacation?

I've always wanted to go to Japan, and I'm also drawn to islands and big cities. Or a quiet, secluded island.

Your wife is a singer, do you plan to play her music in the team changing room?

No. I didn't do that in Dortmund, and I won't do it here either. My wife's music is great, but not everyone in the changing room might understand it, so I'll listen with headphones.

Is her music your favorite?

Yes, it is. I've been listening to her work for a long time. My wife is the best rapper in Germany.

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