‘I’m Scared to Talk About:‘ ‘Sensational’ Ex-Tottenham Player Reveals Shocking Past in Interview

Dele Alli was the definition of successful scouting. After making the £5 million move to the Premier League when he was just 18 years old, he flourished under Mauricio Pochettino into one of the most exciting young prospects in the top flight.

Unfortunately, the career of the former Tottenham player took a drastic turn for the worse, and Spurs fans watched in horror as their prized youngster declined at a rapid pace. In an interview with Gary Neville, Alli reveals the hardships that occurred in his life and how football has affected his mental state throughout his career.

Dele Alli Opens up About Trauma and His Time in Rehab

The Rough Beginnings for Dele Alli

It would be an understatement to say that Alli had it rough before he started playing football professionally. Between ages six and eight, the Englishman discussed how he was molested. He went on to heartbreakingly describe – dealing drugs and smoking at an early age. Furthermore, a man threatened his life by holding him off a bridge at age eleven. During the interview, Alli said. “I’m scared to talk about it,” referring to his childhood. You could see the difficulty for the 27-year-old when talking about the trauma he’s experienced.

Although he was able to make it as a professional footballer at 16 years old, these experiences contributed to the trauma that the former Tottenham player had to deal with. However, it appears that progress has been made in terms of overcoming these issues. The ex-Spurs midfielder talked about how his time in rehab has helped him get to a healthy enough space to discuss his traumas openly.

Parties and Pills: The Not So Glamorous Life of a Footballer

A big theme surrounding the interview between Alli and Gary Neville is mental health. Having to deal with constant rejection and belittlement by fans, he turned to partying and sleeping pills as a coping mechanism. It is difficult to watch someone go through the trials he has undergone at such a young age. It seems as if he’s gone through a lifetime of hardships despite only being 27 years old.

Watch: Last Word on Football‘s prediction of how Tottenham Hotspur will line up next season in Ange Postecoglou‘s first season at the club: