Brentford star Michael Kayode is now thriving for club and country but not long ago, he was on the books of Serie A side Fiorentina. He came through the clubโs youth setup but after a season of regular football, he was moved on.
Brentford signed him on an initial loan deal in the January of 2025, leading to the move being made permanent in the summer of 2025.
Some weeks ago, Kayode was called up to the Italian national team, as they made sure they never represented Nigeria.
The right-back is represented by Vigo Global Sport and the agencyโs talent scout Andrea Ritorni spoke to FiorentinaNews. He revealed details of why the player left Fiorentina to join Brentford.
โKayode left Florence with great gratitude, but he went to a stronger league that better suits his characteristics than the Italian one, because of his physicality, but also because of the football culture.โ
Ritorni revealed Kayode never felt trusted at La Viola, which prompted a deal. He feels much more wanted at Brentford.
โHe initially sat on the bench at Brentford , then he carved out his own role, charting his own path, and became a starter. He still has some areas to improve, but he knows it.โ
โHis farewell to Fiorentina? He didnโt feel trusted, he wasnโt exploited. Itโs right that someone with his qualities and his identity should go elsewhere. You have to ask Fiorentina why he was sold, there was an offer and it was accepted.โ
Ritorni also opened up about the Italy call up for the defender.
Appearing proud, he said: โKayode deserved his call-up to the national team, and heโs someone who always makes himself ready for debuts and big events, mentally, psychologically, and physically. Then, for him to be involved in a goal, score one, and put in such a devastating performance, maybe I didnโt believe it, but I knew he could do well.โ
Kaustubh Pandey โ GIFN
