Dele Alli Considers Retirement at 29 After Como Banishment

Dele Alli faces the prospect of ending his professional football career at just 29 years old. The former Tottenham star has been banished from Como’s first-team squad after just one disastrous appearance. Reports from Italy suggest the once-promising England midfielder is seriously considering retirement rather than seeking another club.

Como Manager Fabregas Loses Patience

Dele Alli made just one appearance for Como since joining in January, lasting only nine minutes against AC Milan. The midfielder received a red card for a clumsy challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek after VAR upgraded his yellow card. Cesc Fabregas publicly criticised the performance, calling it a “grave mistake” from such an experienced player.

The Spanish manager expressed his disappointment with Dele Alli’s lack of preparation and poor decision-making. Fabregas stated that the player “didn’t deserve this opportunity” after working with the team for only two weeks. The red card left Como down to ten men during a crucial moment when they were pushing for an equaliser.

Following the Milan incident, Dele Alli has not been selected for any matchday squad by Fabregas. The manager decided against including him in the pre-season tour to Marbella. Italian media reports suggest the midfielder has been training alone whilst the rest of the squad prepares for the new Serie A season.

Isolation and Training Difficulties

Dele Alli reportedly did not join Como’s training camp when they returned to Mozzate in July. Instead, he remained in Marbella training independently whilst his teammates continued their preparations. This unusual arrangement highlights the complete breakdown in his relationship with the Italian club.

Recent reports indicate Dele Alli has now returned to Mozzate but continues training separately from the main squad. The isolation from team activities suggests his future at Como appears increasingly uncertain. La Gazzetta dello Sport describes his situation as potentially leading to retirement or a move to lower-league English football.

The 29-year-old midfielder faces the harsh reality that his professional career may be ending prematurely. Dele Alli has struggled with fitness issues and form problems for several years. His last meaningful contribution to professional football came during his early Tottenham years when he was considered one of Europe’s brightest talents.

Rapid Career Decline

Dele Alli was once hailed as the future of English football after breakthrough seasons at Tottenham. He won consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017. His early career statistics were remarkable, scoring 67 goals in 269 appearances for Spurs.

The midfielder’s decline began during Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Tottenham when their relationship deteriorated significantly. Dele Alli struggled to adapt to different tactical systems and lost his regular starting position. His confidence appeared to suffer as his performances became increasingly inconsistent.

Subsequent moves to Everton and Besiktas failed to reignite his career trajectory. Dele Alli made only 13 appearances for Everton across two seasons, scoring no goals. His loan spell in Turkey lasted just seven months before injury and poor form ended the arrangement early.

Mental Health Struggles and Personal Challenges

Dele Alli has been open about his mental health struggles and difficult childhood experiences. He revealed details about addiction problems and trauma during a candid interview with Gary Neville. The midfielder spoke about his battles with sleeping pill addiction and the impact of childhood sexual abuse.

These personal challenges have undoubtedly affected his professional performance and career trajectory. Dele Alli has worked with various specialists and support systems to address his issues. However, the combination of personal struggles and professional setbacks has created a challenging cycle.

The midfielder’s honesty about mental health issues has been praised by many in football. Dele Alli has become an advocate for players facing similar challenges. His openness has helped reduce stigma around mental health discussions in professional sport.

England Career Disappointment

Dele Alli earned 37 caps for England between 2015 and 2018, scoring four goals. He was part of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in Russia. His performances during that tournament suggested he could become a key player for the national team.

However, Dele Alli has not been selected for England since September 2018 under Gareth Southgate. His club form declined significantly, making international selection impossible. The midfielder watched from afar as England reached the European Championship final in 2021.

The loss of his England place represents one of the most disappointing aspects of Dele Alli’s career decline. He went from being a regular starter to completely absent from international consideration. This fall from grace illustrates the dramatic nature of his professional struggles.

Como’s Investment and Disappointment

Como took a significant gamble by signing Dele Alli on an 18-month contract in January. The newly-promoted Serie A club hoped his experience and talent could contribute to their survival efforts. Manager Cesc Fabregas believed he could revive the midfielder’s career through careful management.

The Spanish coach initially showed patience with Dele Alli, stating publicly that he might not debut until the following season. Fabregas emphasised the need for time and patience to rebuild the player’s confidence. However, the brief appearance against Milan changed his perspective completely.

Dele Alli’s failure at Como represents another setback for a player who once commanded transfer fees of £40 million. The club’s investment in providing a platform for his comeback has not yielded any positive returns. Their patience appears to have reached its limit.

Potential Retirement Considerations

Reports suggest Dele Alli is seriously considering ending his professional career rather than continuing to search for opportunities. At 29, he would be retiring significantly earlier than most professional footballers. The prospect of dropping down to lower-league football may not appeal to someone who once played at the highest level.

The financial implications of retirement must also be considered given Dele Alli’s previous earning potential. However, his mental health and personal wellbeing may take precedence over continuing his playing career. The constant rejection and criticism may have taken its toll on his motivation.

Dele Alli has not made any official announcement about his future plans. However, his current situation at Como suggests few viable options remain. The football world awaits news about whether one of England’s most promising talents will formally end his career.

Looking Forward: Life After Football

If Dele Alli does retire, he faces the challenge of transitioning to life after professional football. His openness about personal struggles suggests he might pursue advocacy work in mental health. The midfielder has shown courage in discussing difficult topics publicly.

Various former players have successfully transitioned into media, coaching, or business roles after retirement. Dele Alli’s profile and experience could open doors in different industries. His story of overcoming personal challenges might inspire others facing similar difficulties.

The football community would undoubtedly support Dele Alli regardless of his decision about retirement. His early career achievements and personal courage deserve recognition beyond his recent struggles. Whatever path he chooses, his wellbeing must remain the priority.