Former Spurs and England footballer Dele Alli opened up on his struggles both on and off the pitch in a tell-all interview with Gary Neville which left both men in tears
Dele Alli’s WAG has shown her support for the Everton star after he bravely opened up about his traumatic past.
The former England international, 27, gave a heartbreaking interview with Gary Neville on the Overlap, where he spoke about a range of topics, from his career struggles to attending rehab.
Both Alli and Neville were left fighting back tears as the midfielder revealed he was molested as a six-year-old, sold drugs at the age of eight and wanted to retire from football aged 24.
Alli said he was finally in a position mentally where he could speak about his issues, stating he was “scared” to do so previously and hopes he can help others also deal with their trauma.
The ex-Tottenham star has been commended and sent supportive messages from the world of football following his tear-jerking interview. And his girlfriend, Instagram influencer Cindy Kimberly, has also shown her support.
Replying to Alli’s Instagram post of him appearing on Neville’s show, the Dutch-born model wrote in the comments section:
“Proud of you.”
The footballer candidly spoke about his mother’s problems with alcohol, which were followed by him being taken into foster care. He revealed he recently spent time in a Rehab Facility after being addicted to sleeping pills.
He said: “I got addicted to sleeping tablets, it’s a problem not only I have. It’s going around more than people realise in football. 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.
| Dele Alli recently attended rehab (Image: Instagram @wolfiecindy) |
“Inside I was losing the battle and it was time to change. When I was told I needed surgery I could feel the feelings I had when the cycle began.
“So I went there for six weeks. Everton were amazing and supportive. I will be grateful to them for ever. For them to be so honest and understanding I couldn’t ask for anything more during a time when I was making the biggest decision of my life - doing something I was scared to do. I’m happy I’ve done it.”
Alli also spoke about smoking cigarettes as a child before being hung from a bridge by a man from a nearby estate. He was adopted aged 12, revealing he no longer has a relationship with either of his biological parents.
