Dele Alli's Brave Revelation!

 

Everton midfielder Dele Alli has exhibited courage in a revealing interview with Gary Neville and is now eager to resume his Premier League journey after recovering from an injury. Femi Odeyemi writes:

Dele Alli has progressed in his rehabilitation from the injury, engaging in a one-on-one training session with a coach on Friday afternoon. This marks the first sighting of Dele, 27, since the release of his interview with Gary Neville on Wednesday morning. His candid revelations about his troubled childhood earned him praise from Prince William, who described him as "brave and inspirational." Dele opened up about being molested at the age of six and being coerced into drug-selling at the age of eight. He also disclosed his recent admission to rehab due to a sleeping tablet addiction. Dele has been sidelined since February when he sustained the injury during a loan spell with Besiktas. With a desire to reignite his Premier League career, he looks to Sean Dyche at Everton for a fresh start after enduring challenging times both on and off the field.

In Evian, France, Dele underwent an intensive training session with an Everton coach, donning his Toffees kit and demonstrating his skills with a smile on his face. The timing of his return to full training with his teammates remains uncertain. Dele's heartfelt account on The Overlap moved Gary Neville to tears. Bravely, the Everton star confessed, "It is something I haven't really spoken about. There were a few instances. At six, I was molested... I was sent to Africa to learn discipline then I was sent back. "It was horrible, I did not want to be there. I started smoking at seven and selling drugs at eight. An older person told me they wouldn't stop a kid, so I would cycle around with my football and the drugs underneath." Dele disclosed that he was "hung off a bridge" at the age of 11 before being adopted a year later. He expressed gratitude, saying, "I was adopted by an amazing family; I couldn't have asked for better people to do what they'd done for me. If god created people, it was them." At 24, Dele contemplated quitting professional football but has since overcome that dark phase. Recalling his struggle, he stated, "I was in a bad place, and I remember just looking in the mirror thinking, it sounds dramatic, but I was literally staring in the mirror asking, 'Can I retire now?'" 

Since the interview, Dele has received numerous messages of support, including one from Gary Lineker, who described the conversation as "powerful" and wished him well. Prince William tweeted, "Brave and inspirational, Dele. Discussing mental health is not a sign of weakness. Let's keep the conversation going. We're all with you, and we wish you the very best. W."

Dele emphasized that he is in a better place now and is determined to recapture his best form. He has achieved notable success, being twice named the PFA Young Player of the Year and reaching the 2019 Champions League final with Tottenham.

With just one year left on his current contract, it remains uncertain whether he will remain at Goodison Park beyond this summer. Everton's Premier League campaign commences in slightly over four weeks, with Fulham visiting Merseyside on the opening weekend.