Everton star Dele Alli ‘overwhelmed’ by response after speaking out about being sexually abused as a child | UK News

Everton star Dele Alli says he is “overwhelmed” by the response to an interview where he revealed he was sexually abused as a child.

The 28-year-old said last year that he was abused at the age of six and started selling drugs at the age of eight, which led to mental health problems later in life.

He also said he struggled with an addiction to sleeping pills, which led to a stay in rehab.

Prince William was one of those who praised the England international and Premier League star after the interview, describing him as “courageous and inspiring”.

“When I did the interview I said if I helped one person that would be all I needed,” he told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports this week.

“I had to do it for my own reasons, but if it helped one person, that’s all I wanted and the reaction and support I received was definitely overwhelming.

“But it was amazing to see how many people it helped and I’m definitely very proud of it.”

See more information:
Everton footballer Dele Alli reveals he was sexually abused at the age of six
Prince William praises Dele Alli for speaking out about childhood trauma

Alli told Gary Neville’s YouTube channel The Overlap in July that his life changed for the better when he was adopted by “an amazing family” at age 12.

“If God created people, it was them – they were amazing and helped me a lot.”

Valuable lessons

Alli has not played since his loan spell at Besiktas was cut short in February last year due to a hip problem, and a groin problem delayed his return to the Everton squad.

But he said going public with his problems helped him learn important lessons about himself that helped him through the trying time.

“When I did the interview I said it was the best I felt at that moment, coming out of rehab and being ready to play again,” he added.

“I had to learn patience and it was a long journey with the injury, a lot of ups and downs, but it’s something I had to learn.

“If you had asked me before, injuries would have been at the top of my list to overcome mentally. Before this injury, the longest one was eight weeks, which felt like an eternity.

“If I hadn’t gone through this process over the summer, it would have been very difficult for me to go through this over a year ago.

“It’s just an injury and I hope it’s coming to an end. The pain of the injury is something I can really channel and help motivate me.

“I really had to learn patience, but it made me want to come back more.”

If you have been affected by this story and want to speak to someone, you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org