English soccer player, Dele Alli, bravely shared his battle with mental health issues and addiction to sleeping pills. Alli, known for his exceptional talent in English soccer, achieved great success playing for Tottenham Hotspur under manager Mauricio Pochettino and represented England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
In a candid interview on ‘The Overlap,’ Alli revealed the profound impact of his troubled childhood on his mental well-being.
He disclosed being molested at the age of 6 by a friend of his biological mother and subsequently sent to Africa at a young age for discipline.
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Additionally, he opened up about his involvement in drug dealing at just 8 years old, before being adopted at 12.
Alli admitted to relying on sleeping pills as a means to escape reality and numb his emotions. He confessed that he was unaware of the underlying reasons for his actions but recognized his use of substances like alcohol and sleeping pills as a way to evade or pursue something.
Furthermore, he shed light on the prevalence of sleeping pill addiction within football, a problem often underestimated.
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The soccer star emphasized the positive impact of his rehabilitation journey on his mental well-being, despite the initial stigma attached to seeking help. Alli acknowledged being in a dark place but found tremendous support through rehab.
Alli also expressed his close bond with Mauricio Pochettino, who cared for him as a person beyond his football skills.
However, he faced difficulties with other managers, particularly during his time under Jose Mourinho at Tottenham, which contributed to his deteriorating mental state. At just 24 years old, he revealed contemplating retirement from the sport he loved due to his overwhelming emotional struggles.
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