‘I can see the light at the end of the tunnel’ – Dele Alli gives update after interview and discusses potential Everton return

Dele Alli has revealed he “feels great” almost a year after his groundbreaking interview with Gary Neville.

The Everton midfielder broke down in tears during an interview with Neville last summer as he spoke about the devastating impact the traumas in his life have had on his mental health.

This includes time in rehab and also thoughts on retiring from football at just 24, when the midfielder was at the peak of his powers.

The ex-Tottenham star revealed he was molested when he was six and started selling drugs when he was eight. He was then adopted at the age of 12.

Alli also said he became addicted to sleeping pills in a bid to ease his mental trauma and feared the problem was becoming more prevalent in football.

The impact of his interview within football and beyond has been incredible, with fans full of praise for the courage shown by the England international in speaking out about the trauma he suffered.

Since then, Dele’s return to football has been delayed due to a serious groin injury which has kept him out of action for Everton this season.

But when asked how he was doing during his appearance on Monday Night Football, Dele gave an upbeat answer.

He explained: “I’m doing great.

“It’s been almost a year since the interview but I feel good, although visibly hurt, which is disappointing.

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“When I did that interview I said this was the best I felt at that time after coming out of rehab and getting ready to go back to playing – it’s been tough but it’s a trip that I take and I enjoy it.

“I’m just waiting to come back now.”

Asked if he was surprised by the reaction to the interview, he replied: “Yes. When I was there, I said if I could help one person, that’s all I needed – I had to do it for my own reasons obviously, but helping one person was all I needed. I expected from her and the reaction and support I received. was truly overwhelming.

“It was amazing to see how many people it helped and I’m really, really proud of it.”

Speaking about his injury, Dele said: “I’ve had to be patient and really learn what patience is. It’s obviously been a long journey with this injury, a lot of ups and downs, but it’s something I learned a lot from and it helped me grow even more as a person for which I will always be grateful.

“I’m obviously not grateful for being injured but for having this opportunity to really know myself and learn more about myself – I think the pain of injury is something I can really channel when I am back and using it to keep myself motivated and learning from.

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“It’s just an injury problem. After the interview a lot of people asked me when I would return to football and thought I was taking a break, but it’s just an injury and I hope to get to the end of it.

“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I’m excited.”