http://www.chelseafc.com/page/TheManagement/0,,10268~859057,00.html

Head Scout

Michael Emenalo


Michael Emenalo became well acquainted with Avram Grant when a player at
Maccabi Tel-Aviv where Grant was manager.


That was between 1998 and 2000, the tail end of a playing career for the
now 42-year-old who became a Nigerian international in 1985.


A defender, he moved to the United States in 1986 where he graduated from
Boston University three years later with a degree in international
relations with political sciences, having also played college soccer.


His football career continued in Belgium and Germany before a short spell
in England at Notts County in the mid 1990s with whom he won the Anglo-
Italian Cup at Wembley.


Michael then returned to the States where he played in the first ever MLS
game for San Jose Clash.


After one season, it was back to Europe and a year in the Spanish second
division with Llieda, managed by current Sevilla coach Juande Ramos. Then
came the move to Israel.


Michael won 14 caps for Nigeria in total and played in the 1994 World Cup
in the USA, missing the first game through injury but then playing against
Argentina and Greece before he was knocked out by a Roberto Baggio-
inspired Italy.


After hanging up his boots, Michael has spent time coaching in America.