Embed from Getty Images
Dele Alli has confirmed he is leaving Everton after two-and-a-half years.
The playmaker’s contract at Goodison Park expired last summer but he continued to train with the club as part of a long-term injury recovery plan.
Dele featured just 13 times for the Blues which included a transformative second-half cameo in their memorable 2022 comeback over Crystal Palace.
But the 28-year-old announced on Friday that he will embark on a new chapter amid reports of a potential link-up with Serie A newcomers Como.
“As widely published this week, 2025 may set me on a new path with some exciting opportunities,” he wrote.
“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 this 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.”
Sean Dyche paid tribute to the former England international’s ability to overcome various injury setbacks as he leaves with Everton’s best wishes.
He said: “The major point that we agreed as a collective was to get him back to a good place and I think he’s there [now].
“He’s just had so much misfortune with injuries. You couldn’t imagine the challenges he’s had so we wish him well and I think that’s the best we can do.
“He’s been nothing but an ease for me to work with. The medical team worked tirelessly with him, as he has as well, and onto a new challenge.
“But we certainly wish him well.”