Everton star Dele Alli has said 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, leading to mental health issues later in life.
He also said he had battled an addiction to sleeping pills which led to a stay at a rehab clinic.
Prince William was among those who praised the England international and Premier League star after the interview, describing him as “brave and inspirational”.
“When I did the interview I said if I helped one person that’s 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 is all I wanted from it and the reaction and support I got was definitely overwhelming.
“But it was amazing to see how many people it did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”
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Everton footballer Dele Alli reveals he was sexually abused aged six
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Alli had told Gary Neville’s YouTube channel The Overlap in July that his life had changed for the better when he was adopted by “an amazing family” at the age of 12.
“If God created people it was them – they were amazing and have helped me a lot.”
Valuable lessons
Alli has not played since a loan spell at Besiktas was cut short in February last year due to a hip problem, and a groin issue has delayed his return to the Everton squad.
But he said going public with his problems had helped him learn important lessons about himself which have helped him through the testing period.
“When I did the interview I said it was the best I had felt at that time, coming out of rehab and getting back ready for playing,” he added.
“I’ve had to learn what patience is and it’s been a long journey with the injury, a lot of ups and downs, but it is something I’ve had to learn.
“If you had asked me before, injuries would have been right at the top of my list to mentally overcome. Before this injury the longest one was eight weeks, which felt like forever.
“If I hadn’t gone through that process in the summer it would have been so difficult for me to go through this for over a year now.
“It is just an injury and hopefully one I’m getting to the end of. The pain of the injury is something I can really channel and help motivate me.
“I really had to learn what patience is, but it has made me hungrier to get back in.”
If you’ve been affected by this story and want to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or at [email protected]
