Dele Alli is no stranger to adulation. But make no mistake, he knows precisely who deserves the biggest round of applause.
‘The NHS, what they are doing is amazing and, as the general public, we can’t thank them enough for what they are doing – it’s amazing to see,’ said the Tottenham midfielder.
‘We look at what they are doing and we appreciate how amazing it is.’
Tottenham star Dele Alli has admired the NHS’ fight against coronavirus during self-isolation
During his own period of self-isolation, like most of us, the 23-year-old has watched in awe as the UK’s front line hospital staff risk their own health fighting the coronavirus crisis.
Of course, Alli’s got ample free time to admire from afar – in between the double training sessions, marathon stints on the Playstation and trips to the biscuit tin.
Alli’s trying to take being homebound in his stride, easier said than done considering his job.
‘To be honest, it’s been very boring! I’ve just been sticking to the rules, trying to stay fit and healthy, trying not to get too bored,’ he explained.
‘I’m lucky because I love PlayStation so I get a lot of that in. So I’ve just been waking up, doing the gym sessions and team training.
The 23-year-old is trying to take being housebound in his stride in between training sessions
‘I do a bit of that, do a bit by myself in the afternoon with gym sessions which are a bit different to what the teams needs and then it’s just trying to eat right, trying to keep active and socialise with friends and family via social media.
‘But I have a very sweet tooth. I have to try and manage that as much as I can. I have been to the biscuit cupboard a few times!’
In between the Digestives and Hob-Nobs, there’s also been plenty of reflection time for Alli.
The midfielder still has an FA charge hanging over him for a misjudged social media post in which he appeared to mock a man over the coronavirus.
‘We are used to being role models, we know that every day we have to live our lives the right way,’ he said.
Alli is using the current lull to support those less fortunate. Alli is working with Magic Breakfast – a charity that provides healthy morning meals to over 48,400 children every school day.
The midfielder is using his time off to work with Magic Breakfast – a charity close to his heart
During the coronavirus crisis, Magic Breakfast is continuing to deliver food and as Alli explains, it’s a charity close to his heart.
He has already made a sizeable personal donation to the charity and said: ‘I’m trying to raise awareness for important charities like Magic Breakfast. A lot of kids will listen to us, copy us so we are always just trying to send a positive message.
‘I work with what I can be passionate about, and things that are closer to home. When I was growing up, going into school, I had to rely a lot a lot on free school meals.’
Like every footballer, Alli is itching for the thrill of being back on the pitch again. He still spends his mornings with team-mates and manager, Jose Mourinho, during their daily video conference training sessions.
‘The first few days were a bit of a test because it was new to everyone. We were just used to training, no one was an Internet whizz, or knew what they were doing,’ said Alli.
Jose Mourinho has begun to lead virtual training sessions but Alli is itching to return to action
‘You can see the coaching staff on the main screen and then everyone following and you can see everyone. We do sessions together, and everyone can hear each other on the call. It is good to have a catch up.
‘We are so used to seeing each other every day, but (at the moment we) just hear voices. We all know each other very well so at the same time it is a nice little break from each other, I guess!’
But for Alli, training in front of a screen simply isn’t the same. How can it be? Absence makes the heart grow fonder; it certainly has for the Spurs star.
‘Everyone does (realise how important football is) now. Before, when the season is coming to an end, you are prepared for the break, and then getting ready for the next season,’ Alli said.
‘So to randomly stop like this when you are focused on the season, you do miss it. You do just want to be out there every day training and playing, so it is hard but I guess everyone’s adapting to it.’
The Tottenham squad have been self-isolating at their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic
The uncertainty surrounding football’s return means Alli is just as in the dark as the rest of us.
But despite his freakish fitness levels, the midfielder acknowledges players simply cannot return to action at the drop of hat when the Government restrictions are lifted.
‘Will we need a mini pre-season? I know at Tottenham we have all been staying fit but it depends on how long it is going to take,’ he added.
‘No matter how much running or training you do, even in the off-season, nothing is the same as match fitness.’
During this period of crisis, Magic Breakfast is fundraising to continue its deliveries of nutritious breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in its partner schools.
Fundraising campaign hashtag: #KeepingBreakfastGoing.
People can donate via Magic Breakfast’s website: www.magicbreakfast.com or using the text to donate function: Text MAGICBREAKFAST followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70085 (e.g Text MAGICBREAKFAST 3 to 70085 to donate £3).
Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard rate message.