Sean Dyche said Dele's decision to seek opportunities elsewhere was down to the player as he wished him the best for the future
Sport
Comments
Dele attends the match between Como and Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium
Dele attends the match between Como and Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium
Dele’s departure from Everton was driven by his own desire to push himself as he attempts to revive his career. The 28-year-old announced he would be leaving the Blues on Instagram, his farewell message an emotional goodbye after a difficult 18 months.
The former England international became a free agent in the summer after injury blighted his career. He is yet to play a competitive match since spring 2023, when his loan spell at Besiktas ended with the groin issue that sparked a series of injuries that have prevented his return. His last game for Everton came under Frank Lampard more than two years ago.
For all his struggles with injury, Sean Dyche repeatedly offered praise for the ex-Tottenham Hotspur player and his influence at Finch Farm.
READ MORE: I saw Sean Dyche change after takeover and his Everton press conferences won't be the sameREAD MORE: Dele Alli breaks silence on future with emotional message to Everton
This led to Everton chiefs being willing to allow Dele to train with the club beyond the end of his contract and even join the pre-season training camp in Ireland. Discussions with Spurs that would have enabled Everton to sign him to a new deal if he could prove his fitness took place at the start of this campaign.
Further setbacks prevented that, however, though Dyche said on Friday that Dele’s decision to look for opportunities elsewhere was driven by the player and not by Everton.
He said: “It was the demand on himself really, to take the next challenge on, and see where that takes him. He’s been very unfortunate.”
Asked whether he believed Dele could resurrect his career, Dyche added: “Hopefully, hopefully. He’s been through a lot and the way he has conducted himself is a good starting point for his life, not just his football life. And then to work so hard and be so unfortunate, it's been a real challenge for him. He's had lots of challenges, so I hope he can come through the next phase.”
Dele was in Italy at the weekend, where he attended Serie A side Como’s league win over Roma. Manager Cesc Fabregas has offered him the chance to train with the club after Christmas.
Dele thanked Everton for the club’s support, writing: “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 is the right time to 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 very soon.”