The heartbreaking interview of Dele Alli with Gary Nevill on The Overlap has attracted praise from all corners of the world. However, a source has now emerged, accusing the Everton forward of lying about his childhood. The 27-year-old bravely recounted some graphic details about his developing years during the interview. But the source, claiming to be his ‘family member’, has claimed that Dele has been ‘brainwashed’.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star was once the brightest prospect in the world of Soccer. He steadily climbed up the ranks at Spurs before cementing a spot as a starter. At his peak, Alli was scoring emphatic goals and displaying outstanding vision. His form even led to a transfer inquiry by Spanish Heavyweights Real Madrid.
Unfortunately, his rise seemingly capsized out of nowhere. It all started with a hamstring injury near the start of the 19/20 campaign. Eventually, he managed to recover physically, but Dele wasn’t able to recapture the form that wowed millions. Since then, the forward has been on the fringes of whatever club he moved to; a tragic epilogue to a mesmeric rise.
Dele Alli opening up to @GNev2 on the Overlap about his childhood trauma:
▪️ Sexually abused at 6-years old by his mother’s friend
▪️ Starting smoking at 7-years old
▪️ Sent to Africa to learn discipline at 7-years old
▪️ Forced to deal drugs at 8-years old
▪️ Hung off a bridge… pic.twitter.com/qmq7XgCred— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 13, 2023
Naturally, fans haven’t stopped wondering why it all went downhill for the player. And a few days ago, the man himself provided the answer. He shed light on a painful upbringing, riddled with trauma that consumed him despite all of his successes. One of the most notable revelations to emerge from the interview was his brief time in Nigeria. As per Alli, he was sent to Africa at the age of seven to learn ‘discipline’. However, he returned a year later to the custody of his alcoholic mother.
Eventually, Dele Alli had to seek refuge elsewhere, and he was taken in by Alan and Sally Hickford, whom he refers to as his ‘adoptive parents’. A source reportedly affiliated with the player’s family has offered up a different version of events. As per it, the player was never ‘adopted by anyone’, which is technically true as he was never legally adopted by the Hickford family.
It also goes on to accuse Dele Alli of blatantly lying about his move to Africa. The family member of Alli said, “At age seven, Dele attended one of the best schools in Lagos, Nigeria. He was never sent to Africa for discipline. That’s a blatant lie.”
“He had a driver that picked him daily from school. We have all the documents and pictures of Dele with his dad from when he was born as a kid. Dele has been brainwashed.” The sensational claims have gained traction online. Although, their legitimacy remains questionable.
Dele Alli’s biological mother responds to his heartbreaking interview
In the aftermath of the interview, Dele Alli’s biological mother responded to the claims made by her son.
Speaking to The Sun, she expressed that she was left saddened by his son’s comments. She also apologized to the player.
She said, “I have not been able to stop crying since I heard my son describe the abuse he suffered as a child. I had no idea he’d been molested. I’m so sorry. It breaks my heart to think that someone I allowed into my house might have betrayed my trust in the worst possible way.”
Dele Alli’s biological mother responds to his interview, says she ‘hasn’t stopped crying’ pic.twitter.com/reCTWJLOfd
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) July 16, 2023
“I cannot put into words how upset I am I no longer have contact with my son – and only hope I’ll have the chance to see him again.” Following the interview, Alli recently a plethora of support from the Soccer world. He will now attempt to resuscitate his career with Premier League side Everton.