Dele Alli confirms Everton exit in emotional Instagram letter as next move is revealed | OneFootball

The midfielder has not played a competitive game since February 2023

Dele Alli says it’s time for him to turn a new page after confirming his Everton exit in an emotional farewell message on social media.

Though the former Tottenham star has been without a club since his contract with the Toffees expired in the summer, he has continued to train with the Merseyside outfit.

In the lengthy post, the 28-year-old expressed his gratitude to the club's staff, players and fans for supporting him during a difficult time in his life.

“As widely published this week, 2025 may set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities,” he wrote. “Before any of that happens it’s very important for me to make clear how grateful I am of all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me.

“It’s been an incredibly tough journey trying to put the final pieces together to regain match fitness and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into this process.

“Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out as we all would have hoped and I think it’s the right time for me to turn a new page.

“I want to wish everyone at this amazing club the very best of luck and hopefully we will see each other again soon.”

Class: Everton fans showing their support for Deli Alli last season.

Getty Images

Dele was spotted in the stands at the Stadio G. Sinigaglia as Coma beat Roma 2-0 last weekend with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting the next day that the midfielder would begin training with the Serie A side on December 26.

Whilst both player and club hope this will lead to a contract, Fabregas, who is looking for reinforcements with the club batting for survival wasn't giving too much away in regards to a permanent deal for Dele.

"I met him yesterday, I don't want to talk about that today,” Fabregas told DAZN after the game.

“There is a possibility that he could start training with us after Christmas, but only to help him get a bit fit."

Dele has not played a competitive game since February 2023, while on loan at Besiktas from Everton. During this period he bravely opened up on years of childhood trauma, battles with a sleeping pill addiction and a recent stint in rehabilitation.