Football is a universal game.
But also sadly abuse is universal it doesn’t discriminate who or where it takes place.
And in Dele Alli’s case it definitely proves that theory.
I was so impressed and in disbelief.
When I watched the Dele interview with Gary Neville.
It was just unbearable to believe a fine young man can experience all that tragedy,that some people don’t experience in their lifetime.
E.g. sexual abuse ,drug addiction,selling drugs at 8 years old and being held over a bridge by a man.
I have to salute him in the modern climate for a young man to lay himself bare to the whole world.
Is not a easy task to do and not many are willing or able to do.
But he did it with such grace and humility and to me his maturity shone through.
And again I think should be commended is the sympathetic and fatheresque tone that Gary Neville displayed throughout the interview.
It was first-class journalism at its best not all journalists can handle subjects of that nature.
And the crazy thing is Dele Alli doesn’t know he singlehandedly changed people’s thoughts in regards to mental health and recovery for the better.
Why is that when our computer gets damaged we get it repaired.
Why is it still a stigma that if we human beings are suffering we shouldn’t get professional help?
Dele Alli’s situation will definitely inspire those who are suffering in silence to reach out for help.
I truly hope Dele knows how much he’s loved by everyone.
And also want to praise his adopted family who prove blood doesn’t always make a family.
It’s who is there for you in the good and bad times.
I just dread to think how his life would have been if he didn’t have that stable unit.
I hope he surrounds himself with good influences as there’s no quick fix for recovery.
It’s a work in progress, and staying healthy and positive is something that has be daily installed in his new lifestyle.
Dele Ali isn’t just a football icon.
He’s achieved higher status than that through his eye-opening single interview.