Aaron Lennon sends emotional message to Everton's Dele Alli after Overlap interview
The ex-Everton winger took to social media to support Dele and address football supporters
Former Everton winger Aaron Lennon has taken to Instagram in response to Dele Alli's recent interview on addiction, mental health and his football career.
Dele spoke to his former England coach and Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville, for show The Overlap. He opened up on his childhood traumas and resulting personal battles that have taken place throughout his playing career during an emotional 45-minute sit down.
The 27-year-old entered the Premier League 2015 through Tottenham Hotspur, quickly becoming one of the top flight's most dazzling talents. His struggles eventually caught up, coinciding with injuries and addiction to sleeping pills that halted his progress after Mauricio Pochettino's sacking in late 2019, and eventually he would leave the club for Everton in January 2022.
His time on Merseyside has so far not gone to plan, although in his interview he has suggested that positive talks with Sean Dyche have taken place and there will be an opportunity at Goodison Park this campaign.
READ MORE: Dele Alli opens up on mental health in brave and emotional bid to inspire others to seek help
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Following this, the England international has received a outpour of support for his position and congratulations for his bravery.
One ex-professional to do so was coincidentally another who made the switch from Spurs to Everton - Lennon. The two players' paths interestingly never crossed, with Lennon leaving North London at the time Dele made the step up from League One, but that hasn't stopped him from reaching out to his fellow professional.
Posting to Instagram on Friday evening, his statement to Dele read: "Amazing inspirational very brave interview Dele you stay good brother and for anyone else out there struggling it's ok to not be ok or feel great all of the time.
"Seek help, speaking to someone about this will really help. You are not alone, the light will shine again."
Lennon, who retired from football last summer, also addressed football supporters on behalf of professionals.
"After watching the Dele interview I hope people see that footballers are human beings who suffer from trauma, mental health issues and depression like everybody else," he said. "You don't have to use these big platforms to abuse people.
"I'm not saying you can't have your own opinion but maybe use it for more positive reasons. It doesn't take much to push someone over the edge who is not in a good place."
High-profile figures from all walks of life have also issued messages to Dele, including Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, as well as Piers Morgan and Prince William.