Everton star Dele Alli has said that he is “overwhelmed” by the response to an interview where he revealed he was sexually abused as a child.
The 28-year-old said last year that he was abused at the age of six and started selling drugs at the age of eight, leading to mental health issues later in life.
He also said he had battled an addiction to sleeping pills which led to a stay at a rehab clinic.
Prince William was among those who praised the England international and Premier League star after the interview, describing him as “brave and inspirational”.
“When I did the interview, I said if I helped one person that’s all I needed,” he told Sky Sports.
“I had to do it for my own reasons, but if it helped one person that is all I wanted from it and the reaction and support I got was definitely overwhelming.
“But it was amazing to see how many people it did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”
Alli had told Gary Neville’s YouTube channel ‘The Overlap’ in July that his life had changed for the better when he was adopted by “an amazing family” at 12.
“If God created people, it was them – they were amazing and have helped me a lot.”
Alli has not played since a loan spell at Besiktas was cut short in February last year due to a hip problem, and a groin issue has delayed his return to the Everton squad.
But he said going public with his problems had helped him learn important lessons about himself which have helped him through the testing period.
“When I did the interview, I said it was the best I had felt at that time, coming out of rehab and getting back ready for playing,” he added.