Michael Emenalo joins Monaco as sporting director

Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has been named the sporting director of Monaco.

Emenalo, 52, resigned from his position at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago.

The Nigerian described his move as the “right choice”.

“Vadim Vasilyev convinced me to join AS Monaco and I believe this is the right choice for me after my decision to leave Chelsea,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me in such a high quality project. AS Monaco has shown a great evolution in the past few seasons and I am convinced that the club will keep being successful.

“I will work here with humility and try my best to bring my experience in this club which is a reference of French and European football.”

Vadim Vasilye, Monaco’s vice-president, praised Emenalo’s track record in the “identification and recruitment” of talent.

“I have been following Michael Emenalo’s work for a long time and I am very happy to have him here after he chose to quit Chelsea,” Vasilyev said.

“His know-how in scouting network, as well as the technical skills he developed working in one of the most successful clubs in the world in the past few years, are the main reasons leading us to present him our ambitious challenge.

“Through this appointment, it is a further sign that we are ambitious and competitive in our model.”