The midfielder's career has drifted recently having been a Three Lions regular
He has been training with the Toffees since his contract expired in the summer
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By SAM LAWLEY
Published: 08:48 EST, 20 December 2024 | Updated: 09:11 EST, 20 December 2024
Dele Alli has called time on his stint at Everton in a heartfelt post on social media where he thanks those at the club for their help on his 'incredibly tough journey'.
The midfielder was once one of England's hottest prospects, bagging 46 goals across his first three seasons at Spurs and playing a pivotal role in the Three Lions' run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
The 28-year-old last played competitively in February 2023 during a loan spell with the Turkish club Besiktas. He has been training with the Toffees since his contract at Goodison Park expired last summer.
Dele had ambitions of securing a deal with Sean Dyche's side, who allowed the former England international to keep training with them, but, according to Everton's former scout Bryan King, their patience has a limit.
A sensational comeback was snuffed out recently when the ex-Tottenham star picked up a muscle injury that impacted his ability to train.
Now Dele has decided it is time to move on, taking to social media to reveal his plans for the future and thank the people who have helped him during his time at Goodison Park.
Dele Alli has called time on his stint at Everton in a heartfelt post on social media
His post thanked those who had helped him during an 'incredibly tough journey' at the Toffees
The Englishman had been gearing up a comeback to football following 22 months out
He said: 'As widely published this week, 2025 may set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities.
'Before any of that happens it's very important for me to make clear how grateful I am of all the fans, staff and players at Everton FC for the support they have given me.
'It's been an incredibly tough journey trying to put the final pieces together to regain match fitness and I cannot thank the Everton staff enough for the hard work they have put into the process.
'Unfortunately things haven't worked out as we all would have hoped and I think it's the right time for me to turn a new page.
'I want to wish everyone at this amazing club the very best of luck and hopefully we will see each other again soon.'
Last week, it was reported that Como manager Cesc Fabregas was hopeful that Dele would start training with the Italian side in January.
The ex-Tottenham star watched Como beat Roma on Sunday and Fabregas said after the match: 'I don't want to talk too much about this but perhaps there is a chance Dele will start training with us after Christmas.
'It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more.'
The star was a key figure for England after he broke onto the scene, scoring at World Cup 2018
He scored 46 goals across his first three seasons at Spurs under Mauricio Pochettino
His last competitive appearance came on a loan spell at Besiktas in February 2023
Last month Everton boss Dyche said: 'Dele has had a minor thing but he's just taking a time out because obviously he's had a few now and he's just peed off with it.
'So, we're just monitoring that at the minute. He's abroad at the minute but working.
'It's just a break from coming in, you know what it's like, it grips you then, so we said: "Yeah, yeah, of course".'
The fitness concern looks set to take Dele's spell away from the game beyond two years as the free agent struggles to get back on the pitch.
King recently revealed that the midfielder might have to wait until next summer to agree a deal with any time, 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 start playing again.
'He will need to be playing with the Under-21s for at least six months before the club can decide whether it is worth offering him a new contract.
'He has got a lot to prove if he wants to earn another contract. It is a shame because he was a very good footballer, and I’d imagine he still is if he can get back to full fitness.'
Dyche revealed that Dele is spending some time out of the country at the moment
Former Tottenham star Dele watched a Como game alongside his girlfriend Cindy Kimberly
Como are managed by Cesc Fabregas, who could offer Dele a chance to train with his team
The midfielder revealed earlier this year that he had been targeting a spot at the 2026 World Cup with England as he looks at an eventual return to international football.
Alli previously starred as an England regular and played at Euro 2016 and the World Cup in Russia two years later, but hasn't featured since making his 37th international appearance five years ago.
'You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o'clock every day that says, "World Cup 2026",' he said on Sky Sports in April. 'That's my aim for now. I think that people will be like, "he hasn't played in a year" but I don't care, I know my level.
'The only target I have is the World Cup right now. Obviously I'm injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I'm in the best possible condition after the summer.
'It's annoying because I'll be just fully training as the season ends so it means that I won't have to rush it.'
Everton were, meanwhile, open to offering Alli a new contract in August. Dyche said things were 'ticking along nicely', but talks never progressed.
Alli has made a total of 13 appearances for Everton, failing to score a goal.