AFP - German sportswear and equipment maker Adidas has achieved record sales of more than 14.5 billion euros ($19.3 billion) in 2012 and sales will rise further next year, its chief executive said Thursday.

"In 2012, sales will be above 14.5 billion euros, we've got that far," Adidas chief Herbert Hainer told the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung in an interview.

"But the euro crisis has made it all the more demanding to reach these goals. The economic situation in southern Europe has become a lot more difficult," Hainer said.

"On the other hand, we're growing in America, Russia, China and in Europe as a whole."

Looking ahead to next year, Adidas was "counting on rising sales. There'll be many sporting events to fire consumers' enthusiasm, such as the Champions League" European football championships, Hainer said.