Key Chelsea Figure Shockingly Leaves The Club, Lands A Big Blow To Abramovich
Reuters / John Sibley
In a surprising development, Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo has turned in his resignation, and has left the club. The Nigerian had spent over a decade with the Premier League club, and his decision to leave is being attributed to power play struggles behind the scenes.
Emenalo said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make, but one I believe is right for both myself and my family, and the club. I have had the privilege to work alongside some of the most talented people in the world of sport over the past 10 years, and I will depart incredibly proud of the achievements we have made.”
The 52-year-old had worked immensely as part of Chelsea’s scouting and youth development network. His tenure saw the London side through what is arguably their best period, where they secured three Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, and several other domestic honors too.
Club chairman Bruce Buck remarked: “It is with regret that the owner and board of directors accepted Michael’s resignation this week. We are sorry to see him go but understand his desire to move on and explore new challenges.”
Further, the resignation is thought to be due to differences with influential director Marina Granovskaia over Antonio Conte and several key transfer decisions, and the general direction in which the club was headed.
Having played as a defender for Nigeria as well as Notts County, Emenalo was also a close confidant of club owner Roman Abramovich. In fact, it is believed that the Russian billionaire was trying to change his mind about the decision until the end. The loss will undoubtedly be a big blow.
Conte, on the other hand, had this to say about the situation: “I am very sorry to see Michael leave Chelsea, and I would like to thank him for all his help and support since I arrived at this club.”
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.