Dele Alli exposes troubled childhood of molestation and abuse

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has candidly revealed his battle with a sleeping pill addiction and his decision to seek rehab treatment amidst ongoing mental health problems.

The 25-year-old Englishman, who was once hailed as one of the brightest young talents in football, has faced a challenging period in recent years.

Following a successful spell under former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, Alli’s fortunes took a downturn when Jose Mourinho replaced Pochettino.

The new manager reportedly labeled Alli as “lazy,” leading to a decline in his performances. A subsequent loan move to Everton provided glimpses of his former brilliance, but it failed to secure him a regular place in the team last season.

Alli then embarked on a loan spell at Besiktas in Turkey, which proved to be a further disappointment. He faced criticism from his manager in Istanbul, who accused him of going “missing” during matches. Upon returning to Everton this summer, Alli aimed to regain his place in the team after receiving treatment for a hip injury.

Now, in a recent interview with Gary Neville’s The Overlap, Alli has spoken openly about his mental health struggles, including an addiction to sleeping pills. He disclosed that he voluntarily sought rehab to address these issues, shedding light on a problem that is more prevalent in football than many people realize.

“I got addicted to sleeping tablets; it’s a problem not only I have. It’s going around more than people realize in football,” Alli revealed. “Now is probably the right time to tell people. It’s tough to talk about it as it’s quite recent, something I’ve hidden for a long time, and I’m scared to talk about.”

After returning from his stint in Turkey, Alli faced significant mental challenges while grappling with his injury. Recognizing the need for help, he made the decision to enter a modern rehab facility that specializes in addiction, mental health, and trauma.

Dele Alli stressed the importance of an individual’s personal choice to seek rehabilitation, emphasizing that it cannot be imposed upon them.

During his six-week rehabilitation program, Alli acknowledged the unwavering support he received from Everton, expressing his everlasting gratitude for their understanding and honesty during a pivotal moment in his life. He described the experience as transformative, underscoring the stigma often associated with rehab and mental health issues.

Alli admitted,

“There is a stigma around it, and it’s something people don’t want to do. Going into rehab is scary, but I could never have imagined how much I would get from it.”

He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to confront past traumas and release long-held negative emotions, ultimately enabling him to move forward.

Reflecting on his troubled youth, Dele Alli acknowledged that unaddressed experiences had influenced his behavior negatively. However, undergoing rehabilitation provided him with a valuable understanding and a newfound sense of control over his life.

Dele Alli’s openness about his mental health struggles and his decision to seek rehabilitation serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by professional athletes behind the scenes.

By sharing his experiences, Alli hopes to help destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to seek the support they may need.