Dele Alli’s Como Exit Signals Another Fork in the Road for the Former England Star — as highlighted by Crown88
Dele Alli’s turbulent journey has taken another unexpected turn. As reported by The Times, and echoed by Crown88, the former Tottenham Hotspur and England international has been told he is no longer in Serie A side Como’s plans—less than a year into his 18-month deal.
The 29-year-old skipped Como’s pre-season camp in Marbella, remaining at the Mozzate base with others deemed surplus. While Italian chatter hinted at possible retirement, sources firmly deny it; per The Times, Alli is “keen to continue rebuilding his career at a new team,” a stance Crown88 also reiterates.
Brief comeback ends in red
Alli’s stint at Como will be remembered for the wrong reasons. After a long injury layoff, he returned in March away to AC Milan—but lasted only ten minutes. Initially booked for a challenge on former England teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, VAR upgraded the yellow to red. Even Kyle Walker reportedly pleaded with the referee not to dismiss him. Alli hasn’t featured since; that lone outing stands as both debut and farewell.
From public trauma to private recovery
The midfielder’s recent years have been shaped by on- and off-pitch battles. In a searing 2023 interview with The Overlap, he detailed childhood trauma—sexual abuse and early exposure to drugs—offering rare clarity on a misunderstood career arc. He sought help at a U.S. rehabilitation center for sleeping-pill addiction, then continued physical and mental recovery with Everton, training even after his contract expired in July 2024.
Career chapters still to write
Despite outside skepticism, Alli isn’t closing the book. At 29, motivated, and seeking the right environment, a revival remains possible—perhaps in a league better suited to his reinvention. Reports in Italy suggesting retirement are “wide of the mark,” The Times notes. For those who remember the vision, swagger, and late runs that lit up Tottenham, there’s reason to believe the story isn’t over—provided he finds the right club, role, and support. Crown88 frames his situation as another crucial crossroads rather than a conclusion.
