Itapaje Overview

Brentford full-back Michael Kayode addressed interest from Inter Milan and the Nigerian Football Federation following his maiden Italy call-up. The 22-year-old insisted staying in the Premier League and representing the Azzurri were easy choices.

Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul reflected on his dream maiden France call-up under new manager Zinedine Zidane. The Ligue 1 top scorer detailed receiving passes from the icon in training and sitting through an inspiring national team history video.

Como goalkeeper Jean Butez became the oldest player to earn a maiden France call-up in half a century after replacing the injured Robin Risser. The 31-year-old received the surprise call from Zinedine Zidane before training under legendary goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez.

Kylian Mbappe has expressed his delight at reuniting with Zinedine Zidane, describing the appointment of the new France national team coach as a cinematic moment. The pair first met when the former midfielder invited a young Mbappe to trial at Real Madrid over a decade ago, and they will now work together following the departure of Didier Deschamps.