Last evening, reports circulated that England midfielder Delle Ali had disappeared and had not reported for training at his current Turkish club Besiktas.
The reports also claimed that he was not answering his phone. The club gave Alli permission for a break and expected to see him back in training, but they allegedly lost contact with him.
“We gave Dele Alli permission for a small break, he hasn’t come back yet.” Besiktas manager Senol Gunes was quoted as saying by several outlets, sarcastically adding that the Englishman had not yet returned because it was raining and that they were trying to find out where he was.
These reports reached Alli, and he broke his silence about the whole matter, releasing a short statement about his whereabouts and clearing the air about the AWOL reports.
“Hey guys, just had loads of messages so wanted to clear something up. The club gave me permission to attend a doctor’s appointment today. I’m due back in training tomorrow [Thursday] as normal.” Alli’s statement reads, according to Talksport.
Alli was one of the most promising young talents a few years ago after his breakthrough at Tottenham Hotspur, but his career took a downward spiral after losing his form and fitness that saw his playing time significantly reduce at the club, especially under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.
He was consequently sold to Everton, but things didn’t go so well at Goodison Park, and the club loaned him to Besiktas in Turkey where he currently plys his trade. At Besiktas, he has played 15 matches, scoring three goals, but his playing time has also been somewhat limited.
