July 13 (UPI) — Soccer star Dele Alli recently completed a month-long rehabilitation program in the United States, focusing on mental health, trauma, and addiction treatment. Alli discussed his journey on the YouTube show The Overlap, hosted by Gary Neville.
“To be honest, I was trapped in a destructive cycle,” Alli confessed to Neville during the interview. “I became dependent on detrimental substances.”
“Outwardly, every day, I put on a brave face, going to training, pretending to be happy.
“But internally, I was losing the battle, and it was time for me to make a change. When I got injured and they told me I needed surgery, I felt the familiar sensations of that destructive cycle, and I didn’t want it to repeat anymore.”
Alli spent six weeks in the rehabilitation facility, completing the program three weeks ago. Last season, he played for Besiktas in Turkey’s Super Lig while on loan from Everton and the England national team.
During the interview, Alli opened up about being sexually abused by his mother’s friend at the age of 6. He also mentioned his involvement in drug dealing and being adopted as a child.
“Without realizing it, I used these actions as a way to numb my emotions,” Alli revealed.
“I didn’t consciously do it for that purpose, whether it was drinking or other substances. Many people engage in such behaviors, but if you abuse it and use it as an escape, rather than for pleasure, it can cause significant harm.”
Born in Milton Keynes, England, Alli began his professional career with the Milton Keynes Dons in 2012-13.
He later gained prominence playing for Tottenham Hotspur from 2015 to 2022. Alli joined Everton in January 2022 and was loaned to Besiktas in August.
“I want to inspire others to realize they’re not alone in their struggles and that it’s okay to seek help and be vulnerable,” Alli emphasized.
“There’s tremendous strength in that. By sharing my story, I hope to make a positive impact.”
His revelation garnered support from star striker Harry Kane, who played alongside Alli at Tottenham and on the England national team. Kane took to Twitter, expressing his pride in Alli for “speaking out.”
Everton issued a statement commending Alli’s courage in sharing his trauma.
“The physical and mental well-being of all our players is our top priority,” Everton stated. “As a club, we take our responsibility of safeguarding the privacy of our players and staff very seriously.
“Dele will not be giving any further interviews regarding his rehabilitation, and we kindly request that his privacy be respected as he continues his recovery from injury and receives the necessary support for his physical and mental well-being.”
