Brentford star Michael Kayode reveals he always wanted to play for Italy | OneFootball

Michael Kayode had done a reliable job for Serie A side Fiorentina and is doing a more than decent job for Brentford. He is arguably one of the best right-backs in England and has now made the step up to the Italian national team.

The Azzurri take on Belgium, Turkey and France during the international break and this will hand Kayode the chance to make his much-awaited debut.

The defender had previously been linked with possibly playing for Nigeria too. Now, the Brentford player has clarified he never intended to play for anyone else but Italy.

He told at a press conference today – via Corriere dello Sport: “Missing out at the World Cup hurts, but when something bad happens, it can be a starting point. I tell the fans to stay calm; we’re here to work and for a new chapter.”

“Why did I choose the Italian national team? I went through the entire process with the Azzurri youth teams, and I never considered changing national teams. Nigeria approached me, but playing for Italy is an honor for anyone. I never had any doubts.”

He also talked about his rise in England and placed emphasis on his long-throws with Brentford.

“My throw-ins? We have a dedicated coach. I already had these qualities here in Florence, but it wasn’t used much, then once I arrived in England I started doing this specific work, and it’s used a lot there. I came from Serie A, a different league, but there I managed to improve so many things.”

Kayode also revealed his admiration to Paolo Maldini and also shed light on piece of advice to younger players.

“I learned a lot at Gozzano. One piece of advice I can give young players is not to despair, but to accept being relegated to the lower leagues. Full-backs I look up to? There are so many, but one I’ve always looked up to is Maldini . He was an exception in this role.”

Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN