Kayode confirms Juventus interest but hints at Brentford stay

Michael Kayode is happy with Juventus’ interest but insists he’s not considering leaving Brentford: ‘It’s like a family here.’

Italy U21 star Kayode is not considering a return to Serie A, despite interest from Juventus.

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The ex-Fiorentina right-back is in his second season at Brentford and is the Italian player with the most Premier League appearances this season.

“I know, and it’s an honour,” he told Tuttosport.

“This is a fantastic world, where I feel so well. Brentford have a fantastic project. I was lucky to find this club, which we hope to bring to Europe in the last two games of the season.

“The Premier League is the Disneyland of World football. It’s all perfect, and I’m so happy here. There isn’t a more competitive league in terms of structure, quality of play, and players.”

Asked about the most impressive opponent he’s met so far, he replied: “Doku of Manchester City. Impressive technique and speed. But also Haaland, a goal machine, and Bruno Fernandes. He has an incredible ability to manage the ball.”

Kayode played in the Juventus Academy as a kid, but was dropped by the Bianconeri so he first joined Gozzano and the Fiorentina.

“I have no regrets about that period, even if they [Juventus] rejected me,” he said.

“They saw something in me, and I enjoyed every year in Vinovo. It was a blow to be let go, but I always picked myself back up. I learned so much there until I was 14.”

Now Juventus have been linked with the 21-year-old but Kayode is happy to stay at Brentford.

“Honestly, I’m not thinking about my return to Italy. I just want to do well, improve at Brentford and continue developing at this club,” he admitted.

“Obviously, it’s always nice to receive attention from Juventus and any other top club, but I’m fully focused on the end of the season.

“I’m happy here. I’ve found a family in Brentford. We are a young team, and the environment is splendid. I feel like at home with the staff members and workers at the training ground. It was easy to settle in for me despite the obvious doubts I had at the beginning. I feel like I’ve been here for 10 years.”

Kayode made his Serie A debut under Vincenzo Italiano in the opening round of Serie A 2023-24.

“I thank Italiano for giving me my Serie A debut against Genoa. I didn’t expect it,” the defender said.

“He is a coach who can do well in the Premier League; he has innovative ideas.

“He had the merit of never making me feel like I had made it. He kept me on my toes constantly. He gave me a lot and left a deep mark on my journey. I owe him a great deal.”

Kayode joined Brenfotd from Fiorentina on an initial loan deal in the 2025 January transfer window and the Premier League side made his move permanent for €17m last summer.

The Italian defender has one goal and two assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.