Former Nigerian international and ex-technical director of Saudi Pro League, Michael Emenalo, has expressed pride in the legacy he leaves behind following his departure from the league.
The Saudi Pro League on Tuesday confirmed Emenalo’s exit after three years in his role, bringing to an end a transformative period during which the league attracted several high-profile players and implemented major structural reforms.
Reflecting on his time with the league in an exclusive statement to The Athletic, Emenalo said he was proud of the foundation laid during his tenure.
“When I joined SPL’s transformation journey in 2023, what struck me most was the audacity of its ambition. We set out to do something few believed possible, on a timeline fewer still thought realistic,” Emenalo said.
“During the period since, we have introduced and stewarded the standards and frameworks needed to pursue this audacious ambition seriously.
“This foundation is, to me, the achievement that matters most. There is, of course, still work to be done to develop the league and to grow football across Saudi Arabia; no undertaking of this scale is ever truly finished. But I believe I leave our league on a strong footing, well positioned for continued success.”
The former Chelsea F.C. technical director also thanked the league’s staff, football development department, club presidents and sporting directors for their support throughout his tenure.
“On a personal level, it has been a genuine pleasure to immerse myself in Saudi culture, to learn from it, and to experience the excitement of this adventure,” he added.
“I leave satisfied with the state of the league and with the vast improvement of the football ecosystem we have built together.”
