Michael Kayode has spoken about his recent senior Italy debut against Turkiye, describing it as an unforgettable experience. The defender, who joined Brentford permanently in summer 2025, also reflected on his club’s strong start to the Premier League season.
Kayode expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country. He told Sky Sport Italia that he would have been content with a brief appearance, but coach Roberto Mancini showed “enormous faith” by including him in the starting line-up. Kayode scored in his debut match, a moment he described as exceeding his expectations and the “most wonderful thing of all” to represent his nation.
Impact at Brentford
Since arriving at Brentford on an initial loan from Fiorentina in January 2025, Kayode has become an integral part of the squad. His move was made permanent for €18m the following summer. This season, he has scored one goal in eight appearances across all competitions, contributing to Brentford’s current sixth-place standing in the Premier League table.
Kayode described Brentford’s start to the season as “fantastic.” He noted the team’s hard work since the beginning of the campaign and expressed satisfaction with their current performance. The club is currently just three points behind Chelsea, who occupy fourth place.
The Italian defender also commented on the managerial transition at Brentford. He had previously worked with Thomas Frank for six months upon his arrival, and Keith Andrews was part of Frank’s staff. Kayode stated that the team was delighted when Andrews was promoted to manager, making the transition straightforward for everyone involved. He acknowledged that the team had not expected such a strong league campaign last year, missing out on European qualification by a single point, but believes they can achieve great things this season.
Early Career and Inspirations
Kayode’s football journey began in the Juventus academy during his childhood. Although he was released by the Bianconeri at 14, he maintained his determination to pursue a career in football, stating that quitting was never an option despite the difficult moments. He credits his parents for teaching him to always smile and stay positive, regardless of circumstances.
Before his move to England, Kayode made his Serie A debut with Fiorentina in 2024. When asked about his favourite club in Italy, he revealed he never supported one particular team, but found watching Serie A clubs like Juventus, Milan, Inter, and Roma “spectacular” during his youth.
Looking at football legends, Kayode named Ronaldo (the phenomenon), Diego Maradona, and Paolo Maldini as players he would have loved to play alongside. He also identified Erling Haaland as likely the best player in the Premier League currently.