Everton midfielder Dele was making his debut on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football as his side travelled to Chelsea; 28-year-old has not played since February, when he was on loan at Besiktas; Dele revealed time in rehab last summer but says he is “doing really well”
Dele says he is “doing really well” and “can see the light” as he closes on a return to the pitch.
The 28-year-old has not played since February last year, when he was replaced at half-time in Besiktas’ 0-0 draw with Antalyaspor.
In July, Dele spoke to Gary Neville on The Overlap and revealed he had voluntarily spent six weeks in rehab in the USA to help deal with an addiction to sleeping tablets, as well as trauma stemming from sexual abuse he suffered as a child.
Dele – who has 37 caps for England – added: “I tore my rec fem [rectus femoris]. I’ve really had to learn what patience is.
“It’s been a long journey with the injury – a lot of ups and downs – but I’ve learned a lot and it’s helped me grow even more as a person, which I’m grateful for.
“I’m obviously not grateful to be injured but it’s been good to really get to know myself. I think the pain of the injury is something I can really channel when I am back and use to motivate me.
“After the interview, people were asking me when I was coming back to football and thinking I was taking a break, but it’s just been an injury. It’s one that hopefully I am getting to the end of.
“I can see the light at the end so I’m excited.”
Dele targets World Cup: It’s been hard to watch football, but I know my level
Dele’s first aim is to get back to full fitness and get back playing again.
The former Tottenham forward, who admitted he has found it difficult to watch football in recent months, revealed he should be back in full training by the end of the current campaign and is confident he can get back to the level he once showed for Spurs and England, targeting a place at the 2026 World Cup with England.
He said: “I know my level as a player, I know where I can get to and how good I can be when my head is in the right place.
“I’m feeling good. Obviously, I’m disappointed with the injury but I’m excited to get playing again. It’s hard for me to even watch football. It’s been tough these last eight months.”
When asked if he thinks he can back playing to the level he was, he said: “I hope so.
“I have a reminder on my phone every day at 11 o’clock that says World Cup 2026. That’s my aim.
“People will say I haven’t played in a year but that’s my aim. I know what my level is.”
Dele is out of contract at Everton this summer and while he was coy on what the future could hold for him, he is keen to stay in the Premier League.
“The only target I have for now is the World Cup,” he said.
“I’m injured right now and my mind is just take it day by day and make sure my injury heals right and make sure I’m in the best possible condition after the summer.
“I’m signed to Everton so I think it will be disrespectful to speak about anything else. They have been so amazing with me and I don’t know the details of that situation yet.
“I want to stay in the Premier League. I want to be at the highest level and playing with the best players.”
