Digimagaz.com – In a shocking revelation, Dele Alli, the renowned soccer player representing England, has disclosed his struggles with addiction and trauma resulting from a chaotic childhood. Alli recently spent six weeks in a rehabilitation center to address his mental health issues.
During an interview with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on The Overlap podcast, Alli candidly shared the harrowing experiences he endured as a child. At the tender age of six, he was subjected to molestation by his mother’s friend, who frequented their home. Alli’s mother battled alcoholism, exacerbating the difficult circumstances he faced.
Following the traumatic incident, Alli was sent to Africa in an attempt to instill discipline. However, upon his return at the age of seven, he began smoking, and by the age of eight, he was involved in drug dealing. Alli revealed that an older individual advised him that he wouldn’t be stopped if he rode a bike, so he concealed drugs underneath his football during his illicit activities. At eleven years old, he endured another terrifying encounter when he was threatened and hung off a bridge by a man from a neighboring estate.
Attempts to reach Alli’s mother for comment were unsuccessful. In a 2018 interview with the Daily Mail, she expressed her sadness at their estrangement and admitted to being unaware of the reasons behind their fractured relationship.
Reflecting on his troubled past, Alli acknowledged the invaluable support he received from his adoptive family. However, he admitted struggling to fully open up to them initially, fearing that they might reject him. The betrayal he felt when his birth parents disclosed personal details about his adopted family to the media strained his relationship with his birth mother further. Consequently, Alli cut ties with her, feeling profoundly hurt and let down.
Recounting his decision to seek help, Alli explained that he had reached a low point mentally and realized it was time for a change. Motivated by his own volition, he enrolled in a modern rehabilitation facility specializing in addiction, mental health, and trauma treatment.
Describing his experience, Alli expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from Everton, the Premier League club he represents. He commended the club’s openness, honesty, and understanding during the pivotal period in his life. Despite initial trepidation, Alli emphasized the transformative power of rehab and how it positively impacted his mental well-being.
Everton released a statement affirming their unwavering support for Alli, acknowledging the personal challenges he courageously addressed in his interview with The Overlap. The club expressed admiration for his bravery and vowed to continue assisting him in his journey to overcome adversity.
Alli revealed that he had only completed his rehabilitation program three weeks prior to his appearance on Neville’s podcast. He acknowledged that addiction had been a long-standing issue in his life, manifested through destructive habits such as excessive drinking and reliance on sleeping tablets. Alli believes that addiction is a prevalent problem within football, often underestimated by the public.
By speaking out about his struggles, Alli hopes to inspire and support individuals grappling with similar issues. While he acknowledged that he may have preferred to discuss his experiences at a later stage, he recognized the invasive nature of media and tabloids, which prompted him to open up sooner than anticipated.
The English Football Association addressed the issue, affirming that medical protocols and practices for players are managed by their respective clubs. They emphasized the importance of clubs and their doctors upholding the highest standards of medical care, providing treatment, support, and advice to players. The association also highlighted the availability of support services for players affected by addiction through the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and the Sporting Chance mental health charity, both of which receive support from The FA, English soccer’s governing body.
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