Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli revealed that he’s been looking after the club’s younger players during lockdown.
With the Coronavirus pandemic causing most football around the world to be suspended, like everyone else, Alli is currently being forced to spent more time at home than normal.
Alli, who was the latest footballer to feature on Sky Sports’ The Football Show on Tuesday morning, admitted that as one of Spurs’ more experienced players, he has taken on the responsibility of reaching out to some of the club’s youngsters to make sure they’re coping, and in particular, Troy Parrott.
“As a more experienced player, I’ve been speaking to the younger lads and just making sure they are alright,” Alli told Sky Sports.
“Even for myself, speaking to other people and trying to make sure I’m not in my little bubble here and that I reach out and communicate with other people.”
“As a more experienced player, I’ve been speaking to the younger lads – I’ve been speaking to Troy [Parrott] a bit – and just making sure they are alright.”
Alli opened up on how lockdown has been treating him personally, which included him celebrating his 24th birthday at home last week.
He continued: “This is the longest I’ve had off from the training ground and not training. I wouldn’t say it’s been a good break because it was unexpected. I’ve been missing playing, so I’m just trying to find ways to keep myself entertained and fit.
“Being stuck at home on your birthday isn’t the most ideal thing, but I made as much fun of it as I could. It was a little bit of fun, I tried to keep it light-hearted!
“We’ve been doing a zoom session every morning at 11 o’clock, which is good because it keeps us in a routine. You have to get up early, eat well and do those sessions, which have been tough but also good as you get to see the boys every day.
“It’s the whole team [on the call] and the support staff who take the session and everyone follows on the treadmill or using the gym equipment the club sent to our houses.
“No one has been in this situation before, it’s tough for everyone to deal with, everyone is in the same boat. I think it is great that people are using social media and different platforms to find ways to try and help anyway they can.
“Whether it be entertaining people or helping people try and staff healthy with different workout routines, in this situation it’s important to keep your health up and keep on a good track.
“As a more experienced player, I’ve been speaking to the younger lads and just making sure they are alright. Even for myself, speaking to other people and trying to make sure I’m not in my little bubble here and that I reach out and communicate with other people.”
Alli has received some critics in recent months after being charged with misconduct for a gesture he made towards an Asian man in an airport amid the Coronavirus outbreak back in February, so it’s great to see the Tottenham midfielder show his mature side towards in helping some of the youngsters.
