Brentford’s Michael Kayode Chooses Italy Over Nigeria, Says It’s a Very Easy Decision

Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that Nigeria approached him about representing the country at international level, but said he never considered switching his international allegiance from Italy.

Kayode, 22, has represented Italy throughout the youth ranks and has now received his first senior call-up to the Italian national team ahead of the country’s upcoming international fixtures.

Speaking about his international future, Kayode said his decision to represent Italy was straightforward after progressing through the country’s youth teams.

“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, according to Football Italia.

The defender also described representing Italy as an honour, adding that he has always regarded the country as having a strong national team.

Kayode previously helped Italy win the European Under-19 Championship, scoring the winning goal in the final against Portugal as the Azzurri claimed the title for the first time.

He said he only learned about his senior call-up after Brentford’s match against Chelsea, discovering the news on his phone at the final whistle.

“It was an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win,” he said.

Kayode began his professional career with Fiorentina before joining Brentford on loan in January 2025 in a deal reportedly worth €500,000, with an option to buy.

Brentford later made the move permanent for a reported €17.5 million.

The defender has made 63 appearances for Brentford, scoring two goals and providing three assists, according to the information provided for the report.

Kayode also identified former Italy defender Paolo Maldini as his main football inspiration, particularly because of his defensive qualities.

“Many full-backs inspire me, but the main one is Maldini. I love defending, and I believe he is the exception in this sport worldwide,” he said.

The Brentford defender has also attracted attention for his long throw-ins, a skill he said he discovered and developed further after joining the English club.

“One day, I woke up and found out I could do long throw-ins,” Kayode said.

He explained that Brentford has a coach who focuses on the technique and that the club has incorporated it into training and matches.

Kayode’s senior Italy call-up now represents the latest stage of his international career after his progression through the country’s youth teams.

Manchester United, Tottenham Suffer Shock Defeats as Premier League Opening Weekend Delivers Drama

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have endured disappointing starts to the 2026/27 Premier League season after both clubs suffered heavy defeats on Saturday.

Manchester United were stunned 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City, while Tottenham were beaten 3-0 away by Brentford in a damaging opening-day result for new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The results capped a dramatic Saturday in the Premier League, with promoted sides making a strong impression and several established clubs dropping points.

Manchester United’s defeat at Hull was particularly unexpected. Hull, returning to the Premier League after nine years away, produced a disciplined performance and secured their first league victory over United in 52 years. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring before Nobel Mendy added a second, with both goals exposing problems in United’s defending from set pieces. 

United dominated possession but struggled to turn that control into meaningful attacking opportunities. The defeat represents an early setback for Michael Carrick, who had guided the club to a third-place finish last season and entered the new campaign with renewed optimism. 

For Hull, however, it was a dream return to the top flight and a statement victory against one of England’s biggest clubs.

Tottenham’s opening-day experience was even more emphatic. Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Brentford, with Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode finding the net as Brentford produced a dominant performance.

Tottenham also missed a penalty through Igor Thiago, adding to a frustrating afternoon for De Zerbi in his first Premier League match in charge. 

The result leaves Tottenham with plenty to address after a summer of significant squad investment, while Brentford immediately move to the top end of the early table.

Earlier on Saturday, newly promoted Ipswich Town also enjoyed a winning return to the Premier League, defeating Sunderland 2-1. Jack Clarke scored a late winner against his former club to give Ipswich all three points.

Leeds United also secured an impressive away victory, beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 through a late Anton Stach free-kick. The defeat spoiled Oliver Glasner’s first Premier League match as Forest manager.

Everton began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with Thierno Barry among the scorers as David Moyes’ side secured their first opening-day win in five years. 

Arsenal had already made a strong statement on Friday night, defeating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 to begin their title defence in convincing fashion. 

The opening weekend will continue on Sunday with three matches, including Bournemouth against Manchester City and Newcastle United against Liverpool. Aston Villa will also visit Brighton & Hove Albion.

With several of the weekend’s biggest teams yet to play, the opening round is already providing an early reminder that the new Premier League season could produce plenty of surprises.

For Manchester United and Tottenham, however, the focus will now turn to recovery after both clubs suffered defeats that were far from the expected starts to their campaigns.

The 2026/27 Premier League season only began this weekend, but the opening results have already created questions for some of the league’s biggest clubs.