21 August 2023 , 00:00
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Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has sent a message of support to his former teammate, Dele Alli, after the midfielder visited his old club at the weekend.
Alli, 27, spent six-and-a-half years at Spurs before leaving the club last summer but his career has faltered in recent years. The former England star opened up on his mental health issues during an emotional interview on The Overlap last month.
Tottenham fans gave Alli a rousing welcome at the weekend when he was in attendance for the 2-0 win over Manchester United - and Son was delighted to catch up with his old friend.
Speaking after Saturday's match, Son vowed to be there for Alli going forward. He said: “Dele was always close, as a friend with me. It was a really tough moment for him and obviously I’m always there to support him because he’s one of my closest friends. Christian [Eriksen of Manchester United], as well today. Yeah, it’s just old team-mates but I think this relationship [with Dele] is very special.
“He helped me a lot settling down in the UK when I was struggling. He was helping me a lot and is still a good friend of mine. It’s always good to see him and any time if he needs anything, any second, I will be always there for him. I don’t want him to have tough times anymore.”
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When it was put to Son that it would be great to see Alli get his career back on track, the new Spurs skipper added: “We will always support him.
Alli is currently working his way back to full fitness at Everton (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)“Obviously it’s up to him now because he has to recover well, get fit and play well because his quality is not in doubt because he has been showing in the Premier League what he can do. Look, I’m always supporting him, like a member of family.”
Spurs fans paid tribute to their former No.20 by serenading him in the 20th minute of Saturday's match against United, which they won courtesy of goals from Pape Matar Sarr and Lisandro Martinez, who put through his own net.
After a loan spell with Besiktas in Turkey last season, Alli is currently on the books at Everton and working his way back to full fitness. As well as attending Tottenham's win over Manchester United, Alli was also present at Everton's match against Fulham last weekend where Toffees fans showed their support.