Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
Delle Alli was one of the most promising British players and a great promise for Tottenham, but the Englishman’s career fell short and he was never able to return to the high level. The attacker revealed that he suffered from mental health problems stemming from a tragic past in which he had to sell drugs, smoked and was abused by a friend’s mother, all before he was 10 years old.
Alli told during an interview with former player and commentator Gary Neville how difficult these last few years have been for him and the complicated of his childhood in which he experienced several problems.
“I had an alcoholic mother, I was abused by a friend’s mother at 6 years old, I started smoking at 7 years old, then I sold drugs at 8 years old. He was carrying a ball and underneath was the drug; I was hung from a bridge at 11 years old. At the age of 12 I was adopted and they sent me to Africa to rehabilitate me,” said the former player through tears during the interview with Neville.
The former Tottenham also revealed that he suffered from depression and despite his good moment he felt that he wanted to retire at 24 years of age when he was a Tottenham star.
“One morning I got up, I had to go train and I stopped liking it. I remember just looking in the mirror, it sounds dramatic, but I was just looking in the mirror and wondering: `Can I retire now?`. At 24 doing what I loved the most, it broke my heart,” said the player.
“It’s always been me against myself in everything. He was winning that fight, smiling, showing that he was happy, but inside he was losing the battle. Trauma on trauma and your body registers it no matter what. If you knew that about my life you would understand me a little more. I want to help other people know that they are not alone,” Alli continued.
Currently, the Englishman is a member of Everton in the Premier League after spending only half a season with Besiktas in Turkish football.
Everton also expressed their support for the English player after his revelation and stated that he is working for his physical recovery and that he will not give any more interviews on this subject.
“The Club has been supporting Dele both in his return to fitness and in overcoming the personal challenges highlighted in his interview with The Overlap. Everyone at Everton respects and applauds Dele’s courage to speak out about the difficulties he has faced, as well as to seek the necessary help.” Everton communicated.
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