Harry Kane has lent his support to Dele after the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder opened up on his battle with addiction.
In an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap’s YouTube channel, Dele opened up on his struggles with addiction to sleeping tablets and excessive drinking while admitting that he had to recently check himself into rehab in the USA to overcome the problem.
He revealed that his childhood trauma played a part in his decision to enter the rehab facility for six weeks in recent months.
(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Harry Kane shows support to Dele over traumatic past
During the emotional conversation, which lasted nearly 45 minutes, Dele spoke candidly about his childhood trauma and his battle with addiction and remarked that he was hopeful that the interview would inspire others facing similar problems to speak up.
Kane was one of the first players to take to social media to lend his support to his former teammate, with the striker stating that he was proud of the 27-year-old for speaking out.
Proud of @dele_official for speaking out and sharing his experience to try and help others. 💙 https://t.co/bLOnPdtIt7
— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 13, 2023
Dele has unanimously received support from several of his former England and Tottenham teammates, including the likes of James Maddison, Kyle Walker-Peters, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier (Daily Mail).
Tottenham have also tweeted out their love and appreciation for the midfielder, as have many Spurs fans.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 13, 2023
An Everton spokesperson said on Twitter the club “has been supporting Dele in both his return to fitness and overcoming the personal challenges highlighted in his interview with The Overlap”.
“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.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Dele is incredibly brave to have spoken about this in public. It will no doubt help others who are facing a similar battle with addiction and mental health issues. It is great to see that Spurs fans are getting around the 27-year-old and sending their love to him.
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