Emenalo quits role as Chelsea technical director

Emenalo first joined Chelsea with Avram Grant in 2007 after working with him at Maccabi Tel Aviv, and he worked as an opposition scout and assistant first-team coach under Carlo Ancelotti, before being promoted to technical director in 2011.

Since then, he has been responsible for player recruitment and Chelsea's large youth network.

He has been responsible for the singings of successful players such as Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Cesar Azpilicueta and also oversaw the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne to Chelsea.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won one Champions League, three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup and the Europa League.

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."

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said: "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."

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: "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."

At the moment, it is unclear whether Chelsea will immediately attempt to replace him with a new technical director before the January transfer window.