Karim Adeyemi Angers German Football Authorities By Snubbing U-21 Call-Up
Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi has angered German football authorities by declining a call-up to the national u-21 side.
Adeyemi was left out of Julian Nagelsmann's senior squad for the ongoing international break but the 21-year-old received an invitation to join up with the u-21's, which he declined.
Adeyemi has been capped four times for the German national team and was part of the squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
But a return of one goal in 15 games for Dortmund so far this season has seen him overlooked by Nagelsmann.
Nonetheless, he was expected to turn up for the junior national side and his decision to turn down the call could cost him a place in the Germany squad for next summer's European championships.
Speaking to German broadcaster ProSiebenMaxx DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said: "I think it was a mistake, but there's no point in forcing anyone to come here. It doesn't help if their heart isn't in it. The U21s are a great place to use as a springboard."
"I think one should be proud to wear the [German Bundesadler] Eagle on one's chest," Neuendorf continued.
"This is a missed opportunity that I regret. The coaches will have to decide on potential consequences."
"This is a signal of how important he takes this," Neuendorf concluded.
"If he is of the opinion that he doesn't want to play here, one can't force him. It has to be with conviction, heart, and soul."
