Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that
the Nigeria Football Federation approached him over a possible switch of
international allegiance, but the 22-year-old said he had no doubts about
continuing his career with Italy.
Born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents,
Kayode is eligible to represent both nations at senior international level.
However, he has represented Italy throughout the youth ranks and has now earned
his first call-up to the senior national team.
Kayode previously helped Italy win the UEFA European
Under-19 Championship, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Portugal
as the Azzurri claimed the title.
Speaking ahead of Italy’s upcoming international
fixtures, Kayode confirmed that he had been contacted by Nigerian football
officials but said he was never seriously considering changing his
international allegiance.
“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, according to Football Italia.
He added that representing Italy remained a
significant honour for him.
“I think Italy have always been a great national team,
and playing here is an honour,” he said.
Kayode also revealed that he only discovered he had
been called up to the senior Italy squad after Brentford’s match against
Chelsea.
“I didn’t know about the Italy call-up before the
game. I found out at the final whistle, on my phone. It was an incredible
emotion, especially after such a big win,” he said.
Kayode joined Brentford from Fiorentina on loan for
€500,000 in January 2025, with an option to make the transfer permanent. The
Premier League club subsequently completed his permanent signing for €17.5
million.
Since joining Brentford, the defender has made 63
appearances, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
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