Former Super Eagles defender, Michael Emenalo has explained reasons behind his shock departure from his role as technical director of football at Chelsea of England, as he says he is moving on due to family reasons.

Though Emenalo who was a member of Nigeria’s maiden World Cup squad at USA ’94 did not expatiate on the said family matters and personal issues that led to his resignation on Monday, he stressed that now is the right time for him to leave Stamford Bridge.

The 52-year-old former Notts County star had been working in his position since 2011, having previously served the Blues as an assistant first team coach and a chief scout, and believes he had proved his mettle in ten years with the club.

Emenalo stated: “After 10 years here, 10 wonderful, successful years, but very demanding years, it is a very tough decision to decide to step aside.

“It is entirely my decision and it has come about for very simple reasons. I need an opportunity to get to see my young kids grow and also to step back and reflect on the work that I have done here and the things that we have been able to accomplish together in this great club.

“It is something I have been thinking about for quite some time now and it is something I have discussed with my family and they understand the reasons and the timing for wanting to step aside.”

Emenalo also spoke on the controversial loan system he oversaw at the club, which sees scores of the Blues’ young talents ply their trade across the continent in the pursuit of the eventual first-team football.

Emenalo singled out Andreas Christensen as an example of this system is a success, claiming the lad’s attitude also helped make things work.

He concluded: “He’s shown great humility to go on loan and work very hard while he was there and gain the experience which is needed, and the timing is right for him now to step in and show what he’s learned during those periods of development.”