Dele Alli has reflected on his time at Everton in a heartfelt post on social media, thanking those at the club for helping him during his 'incredibly tough journey'.
The midfielder was once one of England's greatest talents. He scored 46 goals in his first three seasons at Spurs and played a crucial role in the Three Lions' run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.
The 28-year-old last played competitively in February 2023 during a loan spell at Turkish club Besiktas. He has been training with the Toffees since his contract at Goodison Park expired last summer.
Dele had ambitions to strike a deal with Sean Dyche's side, which allowed the former England international to continue training with them, but according to Everton's former scout Bryan King, their patience has reached a limit.
A sensational comeback was recently ended when the ex-Tottenham star suffered a muscle injury which affected his ability to train.
Now Dele has decided it's time to move on. He took to social media to reveal his plans for the future and thank the people who helped him during his time at Goodison Park.
He said: 'As widely publicized this week, 2025 could set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities.
'Before all this happens, it is very important for me to make it clear how grateful I am to all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me.
“It has been an incredibly tough journey putting the final pieces together to get back to match fitness and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into the process.
'Unfortunately, things have not turned out as we all hoped and I think this is the right time for me to turn a new page.
'I would like to wish everyone at this great club the best of luck and hopefully we will see each other again soon.'
It was reported last week that Como manager Cesc Fabregas was hopeful Dele would start training with the Italian squad in January.
The ex-Tottenham star watched Como beat Roma on Sunday and Fabregas said after the match: 'I don't want to talk about this too much but maybe there is a chance that Dele will train with us after Christmas.
“It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more.”
Last month, Everton boss Dyche said: 'Dele has had a little something but he's just taking a time out because he's obviously had a few now and he's just peed on it.
“So we're keeping an eye on that at the moment. He is currently abroad, but working.
'It's just a pause to come in, you know what it's like, it grabs you then, so we said, “Yes, yes, of course”.'
It appears the fitness group will retire Dele's spell after two years out of the game, with the free agent struggling to get back on the pitch.
King recently revealed that the midfielder may have to wait until next summer to complete a deal as he aims to return to full strength in the youth teams.
He told Goodison News: 'The road is only getting longer for Alli. Decisions will be made when he can return to play.
'He will have to play for at least six months with the Under-21s before the club can decide whether it is worth offering him a new contract.
'He has a lot to prove if he wants to earn another contract. It's a shame because he was a very good footballer, and I imagine he still will be once he can get back to full fitness.”
The midfielder revealed earlier this year that he was targeting a place at the 2026 World Cup with England, while he anticipates an eventual return to international football.
Alli was previously a regular in England, playing at the 2016 European Championship and the World Cup in Russia two years later, but has not featured since his 37th international appearance five years ago.
“You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder every day at 11am that says: 'World Cup 2026',” he told Sky Sports in April. 'That's my goal for now. I think people will say, “He hasn't played in a year,” but I don't care, I know my level.
'The only goal I have now is the World Cup. Obviously I am injured and contracted to Everton and so I have to take it every day and make sure that my injury heals and that I am in the best possible condition after the summer.
'It's annoying because I don't fully train until the season is over, so it means I don't have to rush it.'
Everton, meanwhile, were open to offering Alli a new contract in August. Dyche said things were “going well” but talks never progressed.
Alli played a total of thirteen games for Everton, in which he did not score a goal.
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