Exclusive! Brentford, Kayode: 'Inter and Juve want me? I am a happy Bee who targets the World Cup and UCL'

Exclusive by Capital Football Reporter

Ahead of the trip across west London to face Chelsea today, Capital Football have caught up exclusively with Michael Kayode. Here is what he said.

Michael, after your convincing win over Sunderland last week, Brentford are fifth against all expectations in the Premier League standings. Can you stay there until the end of the season?

“We hope we can stay up there. There’s still a big chunk of the season to be played but we’re doing well in the league. I am really happy.”

When Keith Andrews took over from Thomas Frank and key players such as Wissa, Flekken and Mbeumo departed, many observers unsuprisingly expected a tough season that could culminate in a relegation battle. But you made a mockery of those predictions by going from strength to strength. What has been the secret?

“At the end of the day, Keith was already part of Thomas Frank’s staff, meaning he was a familiar figure for us. Hence, for the players the transition was seamless. On top of it, the gaffer possesses great ideas and the fact this is only his first year as a first-team manager speaks volumes about what an incredible job he’s done. I am so happy for him... but I really expected this.”

At Fiorentina you were in and out of the XI… but here you’re an absolute pillar. Your impact has been tremendous.

“The Premier League is an incredible league which I believe is tailor-made for my characteristics. I settled in very well at Brentford where I found a fantastic group of players which have helped me adapt ever since I arrived. This has made life a lot easier.”

The World Cup with Italy: your big goal?

“It’s to be hoped! First we need to qualify but obviously playing at a World Cup is everybody’s dream. So, yes it’s my goal. As of today I’d sign with my eyes closed for Brentford to be in the Champions League and for me to be at the World Cup.”

Have you had the chance to speak to Gattuso already?

“No, nothing yet. But I am sure there will be time for that.”

Many players who struggle in the Premier League go to Serie A to revive their career. But for you it’s been the opposite: yes, word got around that you were talented when at Fiorentina … but here you’re a key player while with La Viola you did not always play and were not an undisputed starter. You turned the world upside down, Michael.

“That’s certainly the case and as I said before I found my feet here straightaway. I only had one year of experience as a professional footballer in Serie A under my belt but I believe I held my own in Italy. I worked very hard and learned a lot from not playing like such as last season which has helped me mature into the player I am today. I improved on many aspects meaning that I was ready to shine when I finally joined Brentford.”

There’s talk about Inter and Juve who are interested in you… do you have any nostalgia from back home?

(Kayode smiles). “Obviously life in Italy is nice but I am happy here as well. I don’t think about other clubs because I am happy at Brentford both on and off the pitch. I am a family guy, I tend to spend a lot of time with my partner as I did in Florence also. Both England and Italy are perfect.”