Whilst the news may not be pulling up any trees for some, Dele Alli has informed fans of a minor change to the players shirt when Tottenham take on Everton in their 2016/17 Premier League season opener this afternoon.
The England international has taken the decision to use the family name of ‘Alli’ on the back of his shirt, and instead simply use his forename – ‘Dele’ – short for Bamidele.
Talking about the change on the Spurs website, Alli explained that he’s made the switch based on feelings of disconnection with original family ties. Alli’s birth mother, Denise, recently came public on the fact that Dele was given away when he was just 13 due to an alcohol addiction. The would be future Spurs star was then raised by his ‘adoptive parents’, Sally and Harry Hickford, though they never actually formalised the adoption.
Alli commented;
I wanted a name on my shirt that represented who I am and I feel I have no connection with the Alli surname.
This is not a decision I have taken without a lot of thought and discussion with family close to me.
Not wanting to put an Tottenham fans out of pocket coming into the new season, Alli has also offered to personally sign any replica shirt purchased with his old name and number on the back.