Everton release statement on Dele Alli's interview with Gary Neville

Everton have backed Dele Alli with their support, after the midfielder opened up about his battles with mental health problems, addiction and how he's been affected by sexual abuse.

Alli has shown incredible character to reveal the issues that he's had in recent months and years, as his career has struggled no doubt because of the issues.

In an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap the former Tottenham Hotspur spoke about a number of topics including how the Spurs' documentary had edited out one very important part of his conversation with Jose Mourinho.

He also mentioned how much he enjoyed working with new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, calling the Argentine the best of his career.

The most shocking revelations were the ones about his mental health and how he had been in rehab for several weeks due to an addiction to sleeping pills.

Fans were also witness to the reasons behind Alli's trauma as a child as he explained he'd been sexually abused and was selling drugs as a kid.

Now Everton have come out in support of their player, as the messages of encouragement have also come in from fellow football players.

"The Club has been supporting Dele in both his return to fitness and overcoming the personal challenges highlighted in his interview with The Overlap," the Toffees said on social media.

"Everyone at Everton respects and applauds Dele’s bravery to speak about the difficulties he has faced, as well as seek the help required.

"The physical and mental welfare of all our players is of paramount importance. The Club takes very seriously its responsibility in protecting the confidentiality of players and staff.

"Dele will not be conducting any further interviews in relation to his rehabilitation, and we ask that his privacy is respected while he continues his recuperation from injury and receives the full care and support needed for his physical and mental wellbeing."

His former club Tottenham Hotspur also took to Twitter to show their support for the player who impressed so much for them for seven years.

After struggling at the end of his time at north London, the England international moved to Goodison Park in January 2022.

Though he didn't get anywhere near his previous heights his best game for them came in the match that secured their top flight survival.

He joined Besiktas on loan last season but things didn't work out in Turkey either, there is now a hope that his return to Merseyside will now be a successful one.