Brentford defender Michael Kayode has explained why he chose to represent Italy despite an approach from Nigeria for a senior international call up.
The 22 year old was recently invited to join Italy’s senior squad for the first time after impressing for Brentford in the Premier League.
Kayode revealed that Nigeria had contacted him about switching allegiance, but said he never seriously considered leaving Italy.
“It was a very easy decision. I went through all the youth teams here. Nigeria approached me, but I never thought about changing national teams,” Kayode said during his first Italy press conference.
The defender was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and has represented the country at several youth levels.
His connection with Italy became stronger after he helped the country win the European Under 19 Championship, scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the final.
Kayode said his long journey through Italy’s youth teams played an important role in his decision.
“I think Italy have always been a great national team, and playing here is an honour,” he said.
His football development has also been closely linked to Italy. Kayode came through the Juventus academy before joining Gozzano in Italy’s fourth division when he was 16.
He later moved to Fiorentina, where he established himself before making the switch to Brentford in England.
Kayode said his time at Fiorentina was particularly important to him and described the club and the city of Florence as a place where he grew as a player.
“I spent a lot of time in Florence, and what I experienced there was fantastic. I owe Fiorentina a lot; in a way, it’s where I was born,” he said.
The defender has also reunited with members of Italy’s youth setup, including Alberto Bollini, who was his coach when Italy won the Under 19 European Championship.
Kayode said his relationship with Bollini and other members of the Italian setup made his first senior call up even more meaningful.
“I owe Alberto a lot. Winning the European Championship was unforgettable,” he said.
Although Nigeria made an approach, Kayode said he never considered changing national teams because of his strong connection with Italy and the role the country has played in his football career.
“I never thought about changing national teams,” he added.
Kayode’s first senior Italy call up therefore represents the continuation of a journey that began with the country’s youth teams and took him from the Juventus academy and Italian lower leagues to Fiorentina, Brentford and now the senior Azzurri squad.
