EPL players warned of addiction after emotional Dele Alli interview

The former Tottenham star opened up on his struggles with addiction in an interview with Gary Neville.

Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is “monitoring” the usage of sleeping pills by Premier League players.

On Thursday, an emotional interview by Dele Alli revealed the player’s struggle with addiction. The former Tottenham star revealed he spent six weeks in a rehab centre to quit using sleeping pills.

“It’s probably a problem that not only I have,” Alli told Gary Neville’s Overlap podcast. “I think it’s something that’s going around more than people realise in football.”

The interview has generated widespread support on social media, highlighting mental health issues among professional players.

Dr Michael Bennett, the director of player well-being at the PFA, has urged addicted players to seek help from the union.

“Even administered in small doses, prescription medications can be habit-forming,” he said (via Independent).

“If players are using sleeping tablets or any other prescription medication and are concerned that they may have developed a dependency, we encourage them to speak confidentially with the PFA and access the support we offer. Help is available.”

Alli is not the first player to reveal his struggles with addiction. Last year, former Rotherham star Ryan Cresswell revealed he developed a dependency on pain medications.