Why Cristiano Ronaldo Is 'Not Only a Footballer': When Former Chelsea Director Hailed Al Nassr Star

• Michael Emenalo previously heaped praise on Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo
• The current Saudi Pro League director hailed the star as an example for the youth
• Emenalo worked with Chelsea and AS Monaco before moving over to Saudi Arabia

The Director of Football for the Saudi Pro League, Michael Emenalo once praised Cristiano Ronaldo as being 'more than just a footballer', acknowledging the star's profound impact both on and off the field.

Ronaldo has enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2023/24 season, playing a pivotal role in Al-Nassr's historic Arab Club Champions Cup victory and aiding the Knights of Najd in their steady ascent in the Saudi Pro League standings after a slow beginning.

The 38-year-old was already honoured with the SPL Player of the Month award for August, having scored five goals and provided two assists during the month under review.

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While Ronaldo's on-field performance continues to capture the attention of spectators, his exemplary work ethic and lifestyle have also established him as a role model for the Saudi youth, as Emenalo previously noted.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is not only a footballer but a role model for the youth of [Saudi Arabia]," the former Nigerian international said, as quoted by TCR.

Who is Michael Emenalo?

Emenalo held the role of technical director at Premier League club, Chelsea from 2011 to 2017 before assuming his position in Saudi Arabia as the new director of football for the league.

During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, he was responsible for managing Chelsea's recruitment efforts and implementing significant reforms within the club's academy and scouting system, GOAL reports.

What's Emenalo's role in Saudi Arabia?

Emenalo will head a centre of excellence for player acquisition, aimed at adopting a centralised strategy to attract more 'world-class international players' while also contributing to the process of 'squad mapping'.

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According to The BBC, the Saudi Pro League selected the 58-year-old, who is credited for revamping the Blues' academy and scouting system, with the goal of securing a vibrant, youthful, and sustainable future.

Ronaldo's impact on Saudi League

Sports Brief also reported on the Saudi Pro League currently standing at the pinnacle of Asian football, reinforcing the Portuguese veteran's forecast that it will soon vie with Europe's major leagues.

The SPL consistently garners the highest coefficient in Asia thanks to the achievements of clubs in the AFC Champions League. However, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr arrival sparked a transformation.