Michael Emenalo is into his tenth year at Chelsea – yet few will know just how integral the Nigerian has become.
The 51-year-old is arguably Roman Abramovich‘s most trusted employee – yet that has proved problematic over the years.
From falling out with Jose Mourinho, to having his own resignation declined, it’s not all been plain sailing for the Nigerian.
Here’s all you need to know.
Who is Michael Emenalo?
Michael Emenalo is a Nigerian ex-footballer, who was born on July 14, 1965, making him 51 years of age.
He was born in Abia.
What was Michael Emenalo’s playing career like?
After Michael Emenalo graduated from Boston University, where he played college football, he moved to Belgium, where he turned out for Molenbeek.
He then moved to Eintracht Trier in Germany, and got his first taste of English football when he moved to Notts County in 1994.
He moved back to the US to play for San Jose Clash, before taking in another country turning out for Lleida.
His final club was Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he made 43 appearances before retiring from football in 2000.
What position was Michael Emenalo?
Michael Emenalo played as a defender during his professional career.
But he was hampered with injuries along the way that saw him only make 175 appearances in total.
He was always keen to play the ball out of defence rather than just lump it forward.
What was Michael Emenalo's international career?
Michael Emenalo played 14 times for Nigeria, playing in defence.
His international highlight came when he appeared for his country in the 1994 World Cup. Although he missed the first came through injury he played against Argentina, Greece and Italy.
How did Michael Emenalo end up at Chelsea?
Michael Emenalo arrived at Chelsea with former manager Avram Grant in 2007.
His first job was chief scout, but when club legend Ray Wilkins left in November 2010, he became assistant first team coach.
On July 8 2011 he was appointed as technical director.
What is Michael Emenalo's influence at Chelsea?
Michael Emenalo heads the scouting and academy programs at Chelsea.
The Nigerian has the final say on who the club should try and buy, but works closely with the manager to identify realistic and attainable targets.
He then reports to director Marina Granovskaia and owner Roman Abramovich, who will conclude the transfer fee and contract negotiations.
Any controversy with Michael Emenalo?
Michael Emenalo famously fell out with Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese manager's two stints at the club. He even offered his resignation when Chelsea brought Mourinho back for his second stint.
It is believed Mourinho and Emenalo disagreed about which players should be signed.
Emenalo is not a popular figure among the Chelsea fans, who see the power he has as being negative to the manager and coaching staff.