Dele Alli admits he has endured the ‘most difficult’ season of his career with ‘some incredibly low moments’… but Tottenham midfielder insists he is ‘more determined than ever’ to turn his form around next season
- Dele Alli spent much of the season frozen out by Jose Mourinho at Tottenham
- The 25-year-old has since returned to the fold under interim boss Ryan Mason
- Alli played just 15 top-flight games and was refused a January loan move to PSG
- But now the midfielder is adamant he will put a ‘tough’ season behind him
Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli insists he is ‘more determined than ever’ to come back stronger after enduring the ‘most difficult’ season of his career.
The 25-year-old spent much of the campaign frozen out by Jose Mourinho before coming back into the fold under temporary boss Ryan Mason once the Portuguese had been sacked.
Alli played just 15 times in the Premier League in 2020-21, and after seeing little game time under Mourinho, was keen to leave the club in January.
Dele Alli is determined to come back stronger after enduring the ‘most difficult’ season of his career
The Tottenham midfielder was frozen out for much of the campaign under Jose Mourinho (R)
Former boss Mauricio Pochettino wanted to rescue Alli in the winter transfer window and sign him on loan for Paris St Germain, only for Spurs to refuse to sanction the move.
Now with a call for England’s European Championship squad highly unlikely, Alli is committed to using his summer off wisely.
He posted on Instagram: ‘It goes without saying this season has been the most difficult in my career so far.
‘There have been some incredibly low moments and tough challenges I’ve had to face but I’m grateful to always have the opportunity to do what I love.
The 25-year-old came back into the frame under interim boss Ryan Mason (second from right)
‘This season has taught me I can’t take anything for granted and I’m more determined than ever to come back fitter and stronger.
‘Thanks to the fans for the great support as always and look forward to seeing you all back in the stadiums next season.’
Spurs ended a disappointing campaign in seventh, their lowest finish since 2008, and qualified for the Europa Conference League after a 4-2 win at Leicester.
They face a huge summer ahead, with the search for Mourinho’s successor still going on – though understood to be reaching its end-game – and a battle to keep wantaway star man Harry Kane.
Alli was denied the chance to link-up with former boss Mauricio Pochettino (second from left) at PSG
Sealing a place in UEFA’s inaugural third-tier competition continues Tottenham’s run of qualifying for European football, but outgoing interim boss Mason says that does not constitute success this season.
‘First of all, we wanted to be in the Champions League. I’ve said all along, it’s disappointing where we are in this moment,’ Mason, who will be returning to his role in the academy, said.
‘It’s very disappointing for the football club. It’s important we’re in Europe, not the European competition we’d want to be in.
‘So it was important we finished today with a win, for many different reasons. Yes, it’s not the competition we want to be in next year, but it’s a European competition, and we will respect it, that’s for sure.’
Tottenham qualified for the Europa Conference League after a 4-2 win at Leicester