On the 6th of November 2017. Michael Emenalo officially resigned as the Technical Director of Chelsea FC leaving a trail of mixed feelings amongst the fans.

Emenalo, the former Nigerian international who hails from Asia state joined Chelsea after being convinced by the then interim manager Avram Grant in October 2017 who he played under at Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. He went on to become the chief scout after his arrival from a soccer academy in the USA.

Emenalo played a key role in reshaping the club, especially in scouting, recruitment, and player development at the bridge. He came into the limelight after being appointed the assistant to the former manager, Carlo Ancelloti.

In 2011, he was appointed The Director of Football (DoF) to oversee the scouting Network and be the link between the manager and the board. Michael Emenalo went on to acquire some of the hottest prospects in Eden Hazard, Kevin De bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Surprisingly in 2013, he tendered his resignation letter which Chelsea rejected after it became obvious to him that Club were bringing back the former manager, Jose Mourinho who wanted total power over the transfers made at the club.

It begs the question, How fair is the criticism on him?

His time at Chelsea was filled with positives and negatives. The conflict between Emenalo and Mourinho never quite rose to the level that the former envisioned. Rumour had it he was livid as to the decision to sell Kevin De bryune and Lukaku and other youngsters who he believed deserved more chance at the club.



The summer after Mourinho won his last title was a disaster as club failed to acquire some top targets including John Stones. coupled with laughable acquisition of Papy Djilobodji Michael Hector on deadline transfers.

The club often came under fire for the loan policy A.k.A Loan army. Youngsters were acquired to be sent on loan only to be sold for profit later on.

Emenalo was also heavily criticised after his "Palpable Discord" dig at Mourinho after the Portuguese was sacked the second time.

All seemed well after Antonio Conte lifted the Premier League trophy last Year, then a strain in the relationship after Chelsea failed to bring in their top targets on time. Chelsea had bids for both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley accepted only for the prospects to reject after they couldn't talk to the manager of their places in the team.

Nevertheless, the storm at Chelsea might not be truly over as there is the director, Marina Granovskaia who is one of the most powerful women in world football football, and having being a close associate to Roman Abramovich for over 20 years, she has the final say in transfers and penning down new contracts.

Conte's future at Chelsea is also uncertain owing to her recent line of "Reviewing our managerial structures". And thus, only a new contract would augment Conte's stay.

During Emenalo's time at Chelsea, he was a part to the success of winning the Premier League title three times, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Europa League and the Champions League, not forgetting the massive success the youth has had with major trophies.

He helped turn Chelsea from a transfer power house spender to to one finally turning in profits.

At Chelsea, that stability much needed in a club was not found wanting as the interest of the club was above anything else.

After he passed his UEFA coaching licence, It wouldn't be surprising to see him on a career change as potential suitors are lined up already for his services.

Thank you Emenalo for everything, and all the best, Your name has been etched in the history of Chelsea and world football.

cc: lalasticlala

I hope Chelsea dont regret this

his legacy will live forever