Dele Alli has revealed that he’s ‘feeling good’ almost a year on from his groundbreaking interview with Gary Neville.
The Everton midfielder broke down in tears during an interview with Neville last summer as he spoke about the devastating impact that trauma in his life has had on his mental health.
This has included time in rehab and also thoughts about retirement from football at the age of just 24, when the midfielder was at the peak of his power.
The ex-Tottenham star revealed that he was molested at the age of six and began dealing drugs at the age of eight, he was later adopted at the age of 12.
Alli also said he became addicted to sleeping tablets in an effort to quell his mental trauma and worries the problem is more widespread in football.
The impact that his interview in football and beyond was incredible, with fans full of praise for the bravery shown by the England international to discuss the trauma suffered.
Since then, Dele’s return to football has been delayed by a troublesome groin injury which has meant he’s yet to feature for Everton this term.
But asked how he was during his appearance on Monday Night Football, Dele gave an upbeat response.
He explained: “I’m doing really well.
“It’s been nearly a year since the interview but I’m feeling good, although obviously injured which is disappointing.
“When I did that interview I said it was the best I’d felt at that time after coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing – it’s been tough but it’s a journey that I’m on and I’m enjoying it.
“I’m just waiting to get back now.”
Asked if he was surprised by the reaction to the interview, he said: “Yeah. When I was on there I said that if I could help one person that was all that I needed – I had to do it for my own reasons obviously, but to help one person was all I wanted from it and the reaction and support I got was definitely overwhelming.
“It was amazing to see how many people it did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”
Discussing his injury, Dele said: “I’ve had to be patient and really learn what patience is and it’s obviously been a long journey with the injury with lots of ups and downs, but it’s something I’ve learned a lot from and it has helped me grow even more as a person which I’ll forever be thankful for.
“I’m obviously not thankful to be injured but to have this opportunity and really get to know myself and learn about myself – I think the pain of the injury is something that I can really channel when I’m back and use it to keep motivating me and learn from.
“It’s just been an injury problem. After the interview a lot of people asked me when I was coming back to football and thinking I was taking a break, but it is just an injury and one that I’m hopefully getting to the end of.
“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I’m excited.”
News Summary:
- ‘I can see the light at the end of the tunnel’ – Dele Alli gives update after interview and discusses potential Everton return
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