Dele Alli admits he was 'overwhelmed' by reaction to emotional Gary Neville interview

Dele Alli has expressed his astonishment at the response to his deeply moving mental health interview with Gary Neville. Despite being on the sidelines due to an injury issue, the midfielder made his first Monday Night Football appearance as Everton took on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The former Spurs player, sidelined since March 2023 due to a muscle ailment, joined David Jones and Jamie Carragher in the Sky Sports studio for some action analysis. His debut television appearance followed his candid chat last year with Neville.

He bravely discussed his battle with addiction issues and reflected on past sexual abuse he experienced in his childhood, both reducing him and the former Manchester United defender to tears. Jones praised Dele for coming forward and inquired about his current well-being.

The 28-year-old admitted that his life is improving, adding that the reaction to the powerful interview was enormous. He said: "When I was on there, I said if I help one person that's all I wanted from it. The reaction and support I got was definitely overwhelming. It was amazing to see how many people it did help. I'm definitely very proud of it."

Alli opened up about his recovery and eagerness to get back on the pitch, sharing with fans: "I'm doing really well. I'm feeling good. Obviously being injured is disappointing. I'm doing well. I think when I did the interview, I said it's the best I'd felt at that time.

"Coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing. It's been tough but it's the journey I'm on and I'm enjoying it. [I'm] just waiting to get back now."

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The Toffees are currently positioned 16th in the Premier League standings, holding a slender two-point advantage over 18th-placed Luton Town, albeit with two games in hand.