Watch: Dele Alli open up about his Mental health, addiction to sleeping pills and much more

27–year–old English Attacking midfielder Dele Alli recently sat with former Manchester United player Gary Neville to talk about his recent setbacks, addiction to sleeping pills, smoking and much more. He has been receiving plenty of criticism for his seeming lack of interest from Football and thanks to the Overlap podcast, Dele gave the reasoning behind his sudden downfall.

Also Read: FIFA Slaps Ban on Cristiano Ronaldo Club Al Nassr

For some background, Dele Alli was expected to have a great career and become an English legend when he burst onto the EPL scene with Tottenham. He made his debut for Spurs back in the 2015/16 season under Mauricio Pochettino and he gained approval from various pundits and popularity from the fans in no time.

He was a last minute signing made by Pochetinno during the 2014/15 Winter transfer window where Dele was sent back on loan immediately to MK Dons before he made his debut for Spurs on August 8, 2015 against Manchester United.

Dele Alli’s first season at the White Hart Lane saw him bag the PFA Young player of the year award for capping 19 goal contributions including 10 goals and 9 assists as Tottenham finished 2nd in the Premier League.

He bagged Young player of the year award again in his 2nd season (2016/17) for his improved numbers of 18 goals and 9 assists. Dele maintained his form next year as well but something went wrong with him since the 2018/19 season when Spurs lost the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh277nht1zc&pp=ygUSYmVzdCBvZiBkZWxlIGFsbGkg

That same season he signed a 6 year extension with Spurs but after Pochetinno was sacked, Dele Alli faced difficulty keeping up with new manager Jose Mourinho. He fell out favour and was declined enough game time before Everton came calling in January 2022.

He spent last season on loan at Turkish side Besiktas and is expected to play for Everton this season. But before the Pre season he spoke about his struggles for the first time. “Now is probably the right time to tell people. It’s tough to talk about it as it’s quite recent and something I’ve hid for a long time and I’m scared to talk about. When I came back from Turkey, I came back and found out I needed an operation.” = Alli said. 

“There were a few incidents that can give you a brief understanding. At six, I was molested by my mum’s friend who was at the house a lot. My mum was an alcoholic. I was sent to Africa to learn discipline. Then I was sent back. Seven, I started smoking. Eight I started dealing drugs, selling drugs. An older person told me they wouldn’t stop a kid so I’d ride around with my football and then underneath I’d have the drugs.”

“Eleven, I was hung off a bridge by a guy from the next estate. At 12, I was adopted. And from then, I was adopted by an amazing family, I couldn’t have asked for better people to do what they’ve done for me…If God created people, it was them. They are amazing and have helped me a lot.”

“I got addicted to sleeping tablets and it’s probably not a problem only I have. I think it’s something that’s going around more than people realise in football.”