Dele Alli has described his move away from Tottenham as the end of a chapter, but not the book.
The 25-year old was a deadline day signing by new Everton manager Frank Lampard, in a unique deal. The Toffees will only stump up £10million (€12m) for Alli's services, if he plays 20 games for the club.
His transfer ends a seven-year association with Spurs, a club with whom he'd drifted to the fringes in the past two seasons.
Last season, he managed just 15 Premier League appearances while this term, under Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte, he's played just ten times in the league.
Unsurprisingly, neither of those two Spurs managers were thanked by Alli in his parting missive, but Mauricio Pochettino was.
"I want to give a special mention to Mauricio and his staff for their trust and guidance in the early part of my career at Spurs, which gave me the confidence and platform to show what I can do," he wrote.
Upon signing a two-and-a-half year contract at Everton on Monday night, Alli hailed the influence of Lampard in his arrival, ""I just want to be happy playing football.
"Working with Lampard, and the great players Everton have got, is a great opportunity for me to do that. I'm excited to go there, show the fans what I can do, and help the club as much as I can."
— Dele (@dele_official) February 1, 2022
Dele Alli statement:
It's the end of a chapter but not the book..
Thank you all for the messages. I've had an incredible 7 years at Tottenham and have made some life long friends that now feel like family!
I want to wish my brothers all the best for the rest of the season and more. To the fans, I want to say thank you.
We've had some incredible moments together that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I will never forget the amazing support you have given me. Playing for you was a dream come true and you will always be in my heart.
I want to give a special mention to Mauricio and his staff for their trust and guidance in the early part of my career at spurs, which gave me the confidence and platform to show what I can do. I love you all and wish you the best for the future!
Dele out
