Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci and former Tottenham goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini are among the football players thanking Dele Alli for being an ‘inspiration’ by revealing his struggle with childhood trauma.
The England international had spent six weeks in rehab in the United States for addiction to sleeping pills and gave a frank interview with Gary Neville and The Overlap.
It covered the sheer scope of childhood trauma he had gone through, including being molested at age six by a family friend, made to sell drugs at age 11 and finally adopted by a new family after his alcoholic mother could no longer cope.
Now 27, Alli described himself as “broken” and is estranged from his biological parents.
Shows of solidarity came in from all over the football world, including Alli’s former Tottenham teammate and good friend Gollini.
“You are a courageous lad with a huge heart, Dele! People often don’t realise what is behind the man, nowadays the default is to presume they know and feel free to judge anyone. This is why what you did showed great courage and strength, which are probably the same characteristics that allowed you do emerge as one of the best young stars in the world, despite such a difficult and tormented past.
“I was fortunate to be by your side and spend time together. Those who really care for you knows there were demons you were battling, but you are also a generous lad with heart.
“You are strong, brother Dele, we need more players with your courage and your heart!”
Juventus and Italy defender Bonucci also responded to Alli’s interview with a comment on Instagram Stories that points to the wider issues of pressure on players in the social media age.
“When you want to criticize, judge, insult a person, take a few extra seconds before opening your mouth or pressing enter. Each person hides weaknesses, fears and traumas. Come on @dele. Be proud of yourself and inspiration for so many others.”
