Dele Alli took to Instagram to break his silence after being hooked by Besiktas to a chorus of boos just 30 minutes into a game.
The 26-year-old headed to Turkey in August on loan from Everton but has flattered to deceive during his time at Besiktas thus far.
He made headlines for the wrong reasons earlier this week when he was substituted after half an hour with Besiktas 2-0 down against a third division outfit in a cup game. After making way to an overwhelmingly negative reaction from the crowd, he watched on as they fought back to win 4-2.
Back in November manager Senol Gunes criticised Dele for falling below expectations during his time with the club, a damning highlight in his unfortunate fall from grace.
Since the disappointing half hour cameo and subsequent substitution, Dele went to Instagram to make his feelings known. He posted a photo of him heading and holding a ball on a training pitch, with the caption: “You saved my life. That’s why I will always love you”, seemingly referring to the sport of football.
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It’s been a difficult few years for the attacking midfielder, who burst onto the scene at Tottenham following his move from MK Dons in 2015.
He won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in his first season in the top flight, but after looking every bit a world class prospect, his levels dropped significantly and he left Tottenham for Everton in January this year, where he again underwhelmed and barely featured for the Toffees before leaving on loan.
Since moving to Besiktas, the Turkish side have publicly questioned his performances on a number of occasions.
Indeed, just a week ago, sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci admitted he was at a loss to explain what has gone wrong for Dele.
“No-one can answer whether Dele Alli can do it right now,” Kazanci said. “He is working very hard. He is a player who reached €100m three years ago. He had a fall.”
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