Dele Alli pictured in Everton training in good spirits after brave interview
Dele Alli has stepped up his recovery from injury after completing a one-on-one training session with a coach on Friday afternoon.
It's the first time Dele, 27, has been pictured since his interview with Gary Neville was released on Wednesday morning. The England international was described as "brave and inspirational" by Prince William after a series of shocking childhood revelations.
Dele admitted he was molested aged six and forced to sell drugs two years later. He also confirmed he recently checked himself into rehab after becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. The midfielder hasn't played since February after picking up an injury during a loan spell with Besiktas. He is hoping to reignite his Premier League career under Sean Dyche at Everton after a difficult time, both on and off the pitch.
Dele was put through his paces by an Everton coach during a one-on-one training session in Evian, France. The midfielder smiled as he practised his ball work while wearing his Toffees kit. It's unclear when he will return to full training with his teammates.
Neville was moved to tears while hearing Dele's story on The Overlap. The Everton star bravely admitted: "It is something I haven't really spoken about. There were a few instances. At six, I was molested... I was sent to Africa to learn discipline then I was sent back.
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"It was horrible, I did not want to be there. I started smoking at seven and selling drugs at eight. An older person told me they wouldn't stop a kid so I would cycle around with my football and the drugs underneath."
Dele hasn't played since February (Everton FC via Getty Images)Are you excited to see Dele Alli back in action? Let us know in the comments below!
Dele revealed he was "hung off a bridge" aged 11 by a man before being adopted a year later. He added: "I was adopted by an amazing family, I couldn't have asked for better people to do what they'd done for me. If god created people, it was them."
Dele also admitted he considered quitting professional football at 24. He said: "I was in a bad place and I remember just looking in the mirror thinking, it sounds dramatic but I was literally staring in the mirror asking, 'Can I retire now?'"
The midfielder has received dozens of messages of support since his interview, with Gary Lineker calling the chat "powerful" and wishing him good luck. Prince William tweeted: "Brave and inspirational, Dele. Discussing mental health is not a sign of weakness. Let's keep the conversation going. We're all with you and we wish you the very best. W."
It's unclear whether he will stay at Everton this summer (Everton FC via Getty Images)Dele insisted he's in a better place now and is determined to regain his best form. He's achieved plenty of success, having twice been named the PFA Young Player of the Year. He also reached the 2019 Champions League final with Tottenham.
Dele has just a year remaining on his current contract and it's unclear if he'll stay at Goodison Park beyond this summer. Everton's Premier League campaign starts in just over four weeks' time, with Fulham travelling to Merseyside on the opening weekend.
* If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]_ or visit their site to find your local branch
* The NSPCC's confidential 24-hour helpline is 0808 800 5000; Childline is 0800 1111. Police urge victims of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it took place, to call 101.
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