Tottenham star, Dele Alli, has revealed that he is dropping the name ‘Alli’ previously printed at the back of his jerseys.
Bamidele Jermaine ‘Dele’ Alli, 20, was born to Nigerian dad, Kenny, and English mum, Denise.
The attacking midfielder enjoyed a superb first season in the Premier League last year, scoring 10 goals in 33 games for Spurs.
He even went a step further to play for the Three Lions at the 2016 European Championship in France.
The player was raised by an adopted parent after the real ones separated, with his mum’s drinking addiction becoming severe.
And the Spurs star, who choose England over Nigeria, says he no longer wants to be known by Alli which unfortunately is his grandfather’s name.
Ahead of the incoming season, the youngster opted to have his own name ‘Dele’ at the back of his jersey but however maintained his squad number.
“I wanted a name on my shirt that represented who I am and I feel I have no connection with the Alli surname,” the PFA Young Player of the Year said.
“This is not a decision I have taken without a lot of thought and discussion with family close to me.”
Alli will appear for the first time using his preferred name away to Everton on Saturday.
Confirming the name change on Twitter, Tottenham wrote: “@Dele_Alli will retain number 20 but for personal reasons has elected to have the name ‘DELE’ displayed on the reverse of his match shirts.”
.@Dele_Alli will retain number 20 but for personal reasons has elected to have the name ‘DELE’ displayed on the reverse of his match shirts.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 12, 2016
