Dele Alli has taken time out of pre-season training to meet Everton supporters who travelled to Switzerland for the team’s first friendly match before the new season.
Everton flew across Europe for their first pre-season warm-up game against Stade Nyonnais, with Alli involved in training but not taking part in the match as he continues to recover from injury.
Alli gave an incredibly honest interview with Gary Neville that was published on Thursday where he explained his battles with sleeping pill addiction and also harrowing childhood abuse.
He has been met with an outpouring of support from fellow athletes, royalty, and well-wishers and was given a further boost by Everton fans in-person on Friday.
The midfielder was all smiles in training, as new signing Ashley Young also settled into his new surroundings, and took time to pose with fans after the session.
Dele Alli is settling into pre-season training with Everton as Sean Dyche’s side ramp up preparations
Alli (middle) signs a black Everton shirt for one young supporter who was waiting to meet players
Another Everton supporter held up a sign with Alli that read: ‘We are all with you Dele’
One image shows Alli signing a black Everton top for a supporter as crowds gathered in the sunshine waiting to greet players.
Another separate interaction captures him with a young fan who is holding up a homemade sign that reads: ‘We are all with you Dele,’ alongside two hand-drawn hearts.
It is the second consecutive day where the former Spurs star has shown his appreciation for Toffees fans after also posing for photos on Thursday at Lake Geneva.
Alli appears to be back enjoying his football with Sean Dyche’s side after years of distress and could play a huge part in next season’s Premier League campaign.
He has only made 13 appearances for Everton since moving to the club on a free transfer at the start of last year, but after revealing he previously considered retiring at just 24 looks determined to rediscover his previous best form.
Alli recently opened up on his battles with sleeping pill addiction and childhood trauma in an emotional interview
Alli has been picked for Everton’s pre-season tour but didn’t feature in their first match in Switzerland
Alli enjoyed a meteoric rise at the start of his career, becoming a Tottenham first-team regular and honoured with the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award for his performances in the 2015-16 campaign.
He was later called up to England’s 2018 World Cup squad where the Three Lions made it to the semi-finals before crashing out under Gareth Southgate and Alli’s career began to spiral downwards.
Alli is yet to play under Everton boss Sean Dyche but could be given his first chance to impress when they take on Wigan in a friendly clash on July 22.
He has one-year left on his contract at the club and with age still on his side could bounce-back to become a crucial asset for the Toffees.
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