Dele Alli has spoken of the 'overwhelming reaction' he received after speaking candidly about a sleeping pill addiction and mental health struggles.
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Dele overwhelmed by supportMidfielder gave emotional interview last summerHoping to return from injury soonWHAT HAPPENED?
Nine months on from his emotional interview with Gary Neville on , detailing his personal struggles, Dele looked back at that moment, discussing his pride over it after wanting to use the platform as a way to help others.
AdvertisementThe Overlap/Sky SportsTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Last July, Dele opened up about entering rehab for six weeks to address addiction and mental health problems following an unsuccessful attempt to kickstart his career on loan at Besiktas in Turkey. The former England midfield also spoke about being sexually abused at the age of six and selling drugs aged eight.
WHAT DELE SAID
As a guest on , Dele said: "I'm doing really well. It's been nearly a year now. But I'm feeling good. Obviously injured, which is disappointing. But yeah, I'm doing well. I needed to do [the interview] for my own reasons, obviously. But to help one person that was all I wanted from it, and the reaction I got and the support, it was definitely overwhelming. It was amazing to see how many people it did help, and I'm definitely very proud of it."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR DELE?
Having worked to overcome his mental health issues, the reason Dele hasn't returned to the football pitch this season is a troublesome long-term groin injury. But he is optimistic that there is now light at the end of the tunnel and the next step is to reclaim his fitness and resurrect his career. Out of contract at Everton in June, that will more than likely be with a new club.