Fiorentina fullback Kayode reveals Man Utd, Man City, PSG stars are his role models

Fresh from winning the European U19 Championship with Italy, Flying Eagles-eligible fullback Michael Kayode has cited three players on the books of top European clubs as his role models. 

The Fiorentina right-back netted the game-winning goal as Italy defeated Portugal 1-0 to lift the 2023 U19 Euro on Sunday, rising highest at the back post to plant a powerful header past goalkeeper Gonçalo Ribeiro.

Kayode has admitted that he looks up to Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Paris Saint-Germain's Morocco star Achraf Hakimi - arguably among the best right-backs in the world at the moment. 

Manchester City are targeting a move for Hakimi this summer in the event that Walker departs the Premier League champions, with reports linking him with a possible move to Bayern Munich. 

Despite being a defender, Borgomanero native Kayode was in fine form in front of goal last season, netting six goals for Fiorentina's Primavera squad in addition to two assists. 

In an exclusive interview with Corriere dello Sport, via firenzeviola, Kayode was asked to name the players that inspire him and he replied: "Walker, Wan-Bissaka and Hakimi are my role models".

The 19-year-old Kayode, who received eleven call-ups for Serie A matches last season, revealed that he is eager to make his debut in the Italian topflight.

"Florence is a magnificent place, a unique city and there is a fantastic club that believes so much in young people. I can't wait to make my debut in Serie A."

Before his move to Fiorentina in 2021, Kayode played for the youth teams of Juventus and Gozzano.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: figc.it

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