Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that choosing to represent Italy instead of Nigeria was an easy decision for him.
The 22-year-old, who was born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, has received his first senior call-up to the Italian national team after representing the country at youth levels.
Speaking at a press conference, Kayode said Nigeria had approached him about representing the Super Eagles but he never seriously considered switching 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,” he said.
The defender said representing Italy was an honour, having progressed through the country’s youth teams.
Kayode previously played for Italy’s Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 teams. He was part of the Italy Under-19 side that won the European Championship in 2023, scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the final.
He also revealed that he only learnt about his senior call-up after Brentford’s Premier League victory over Chelsea, saying he discovered the news on his phone at the final whistle.
Kayode joined Brentford from Fiorentina, initially on loan in January 2025, before making the move permanent. He signed a new long-term contract with the English club in July 2026, keeping him at Brentford until 2032, with an option for another year.
His first senior Italy call-up marks the latest step in a career that has seen him progress from Italian youth football to the Premier League.
