Dele Alli says “it’s the right time for me to turn a new page” after cutting ties with Everton.
The former England midfielder has been a free agent since his contract at Goodison Park expired in June, but has continued to train with the club.
The 28-year-old player, who spent six weeks in rehab last year like himself coping with childhood trauma, attended Como’s 2-0 Serie A win at home to Roma on Sunday.
Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como, He has said that Dele can train with them, out after Christmas.
In a message on Instagram,, out Dele thanked his former club, saying that “2025 could set me on a new path with exciting opportunities”.
He added: “Before that happens, it is very important for me to make it clear how grateful I am to all the fans, staff and players of Everton FC for the support they have given me.”
After leaving Tottenham to join Everton in January 2022, Dele made just one Premier League start, including 12 appearances from the bench.
His last competitive game was in February 2023 while on loan at Turkish side Besiktas.
“It’s been a very difficult journey trying to put the final pieces together to restore match fitness and I can’t thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they’ve put into this process,” Dele added.
“Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out as we all hoped, and I think it’s the right time for me to turn a new page. I want to wish you all the best at this amazing club.”
Dele joined Everton the same day they appointed Frank Lampard as manager. Lampard was succeeded by Sean Dyche in January 2023.
Dyche said on Friday: “The main thing we agreed on, as a group, was to get him back to the right place and I think he is there.
“He’s been very unlucky with injuries, you can’t imagine the challenges he’s had. We wish him the best and that’s all we can do.
“He has been easy for me to work with. Going through new challenges but we certainly wish him the best.”
