“He risks throwing away his career if he doesn’t come to his senses”

The former Germany international was highly critical of Adeyemi’s actions but hoped the talented player will be helped to get back on track.

Ex-Germany star Stefan Effenberg feels things could “now get very, very tight” for Karim Adeyemi after the Borussia Dortmund star was caught in possession of illegal weapons.

“The punishment could have long-term consequences for Adeyemi both at the DFB and in Dortmund, even though neither the association nor the club has yet commented on possible penalties.

“At the start of the season, he was actually on the right track, involved in six goals across all competitions in the first seven games, playing consistently well, and impressing in Dortmund’s attack.

“But since then, nothing has come of it, no further goals, no further assists for Dortmund – and he has repeatedly squandered excellent chances for the national team,” he wrote in his column for T-Online. 

The former Bayern Munich captain is concerned that Adeyemi is now facing “a dramatic fall from grace” and reflected on mistakes he made in his own career. 

“[Adeyemi] is undeniably highly talented, with incredible potential – but he risks throwing away his career if he doesn’t come to his senses and finally understand what is really important.

“[Dortmund and the DFB must] scrutinize his environment and get him back on track. I’m sure he’ll get the right advice there so that his career doesn’t go to ruin. Because that would be tragic.

“From 1994 onwards, I was not nominated for four years [for the national team] for a far less serious offense,” added Effenberg, who famously gave the ‘middle finger’ to his own fans at the World Cup in the USA.