Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panel

FANS hailed Dele Alli for opening up on his mental health battles as he joined the Monday Night Football line-up on Sky Sports. 

The 28-year-old Everton midfielder bravely opened up about his childhood trauma including being abused and selling drugs during an interview with Gary Neville last July.

The ex-MK Dons and Tottenham ace also revealed that he went to rehab for a sleeping pill addiction as he heartbreakingly broke down in tears.

Everton fans unveiled a flag at Goodison Park as the football community quickly rallied to support the former England international.

Dele, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury all season, has now revealed how much he was surprised by the reaction to his tell-all interview.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ MNF alongside host David Jones and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher ahead of Everton’s trip to Chelsea, he said: “I’m doing really well, it’s been nearly a year now.

“I’m feeling good, obviously injured which is disappointing. I think when I did that interview that I’d said it was the best I’d felt at that time, obviously coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing.

“It’s been tough but it’s a journey I’ve been on and I’m enjoying it and just waiting to get back now.

“The reaction and support that I got was obviously overwhelming. It was amazing to see how many people that did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”

Dele last played for Besiktas in February 2023 while on loan from Everton.

He has only made 13 appearances since swapping Tottenham for Merseyside in January 2022.

Dele’s contract runs until June 2025 and he admits he is “excited” for next season already as he targets a return to first-team action after injury.

He added: “It’s been a long journey with the injury, a lot of ups and downs, but it’s something that I’ve learned a lot from and helped me grow even more as a person.

“I’ll forever be thankful to have this opportunity to really get to know myself.

“I think the pain of the injury is something I can really channel to really motivate me.

“Obviously, after the interview people were asking when me I was coming back to football thinking I was just taking a break, but it is just an injury.

“It’s one I’m hopefully getting to the end of – I can see the light and I’m excited.”

After seeing how upbeat the ace was tonight, fans soon jumped on social media to hail Dele.

One wrote: “Not optimistic, but how lovely would it be to see Dele back playing regularly again next season.”

“Seeing Dele Alli on #MNF talking about his mental health, I really do think he’s showing money isn’t everything,” declared another.

A third commented: “Nice to see our boy dele on Monday night football. Be nice to see him play again after all he has been through.”

As a fourth said: “Ahhh, Dele Alli on Monday Night Football… still love the guy.”

Meanwhile, Everton will save £10m through Dele’s appearance on Monday Night Football.

In doing so, he will save his club from having to pay Tottenham a fee as part of his January 2022 move.

Alli joined Everton two years ago on a free transfer with a series of appearance-based add-ons.

As part of the deal, Everton would have to pay Spurs £10million if Alli made 20 Premier League appearances.

With Everton having just seven matches remaining this term and Alli’s contract expiring in the summer, his appearance on Sky Sports means he cannot end the campaign with any more than 19 league appearances for the club.

As a result, he will save Sean Dyche’s side £10m.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk