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Brentford right-back, Michael Kayode, has shared that he wants to play for Italy’s senior national team in the future.
However, he also mentioned that he is proud of his Nigerian background.
He was born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, Victoria and Anthony.
He has played for the Italian national teams at the U18, U19, and U21 levels.
It is thought that the Italian Football Federation is in a strong position compared to Nigeria in trying to get Kayode, because he is currently tied to them on a provisional basis.
The defender is being watched by managers Gennaro Gattuso and Eric Chelle, but he is focused on playing for Italy, the country he was born in.
It’s still unclear if Kayode will get his first chance to play for the senior team and earn a cap in the same match when Italy play Northern Ireland in the 2026 World Cup playoffs this month.
Kayode is determined to reach his goal of playing for the Azzurri and he knows that keeping up good form at Brentford is important for getting selected.
Kayode spoke to The Athletic and said, “For every player, being in the national team is a dream, especially right now because the team is qualified for the World Cup. I really hope we qualify.
“It’s important to perform really well at the club because if you don’t do well at your club, you won’t get called up. So I just think about Brentford and if I get the chance (with Italy), that’s it.
“I’m happy that the Nigerian people are happy for me.
The opportunity to play for both is amazing,” he said.
‘Nigerian people happy for me’ – Brighton’s Kayode names country he’ll play for in the future
