Michael Emenalo Talks About the Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Deals that Never Materialized
After Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Saudi Pro League from Manchester United, joining Al-Nassr, expectation was high that Lionel Messi could follow suit and make it a mouthwatering double-act in the Middle East.
After being the two stars of the Qatar World Cup, Lionel Messi was joined by Kylian Mbappe as the most coveted names in the world of football. Reports indicated that the Saudi Pro League wanted to bring the two superstars to the Middle East to join Ronaldo.
What followed did not go according to plan. Kylian Mbappe decided to remain in Paris with PSG. The World Cup champion Messi decided to sign for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer. These two choices were considered stunning snubs to the Saudi Pro League.
Michael Emenalo, director of the Saudi Pro League, has poured cold water on these decisions being snubs to Saudi football. Instead, speaking to Skay Sports News, Emenalo indicated that each football family is unique, with personal and club issues influencing their choices.
Emenalo revealed that the Saudi Pro League put the best foot forward and explained the project to the players. But at the end of the day, the individual players, their families, clubs, and entourages make the choice.
