Why I'm changing my name: Alli to wear 'Dele' on back of his shirt this season as Tottenham star says: 'I feel no connection with it'

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli will play with his forename 'Dele' on the back on his shirt this season, citing personal reasons as his motivation for changing.

The 20-year-old had previously worn 'Alli' above his No 20 but says he feels 'no connection' with that name. Alli lived away from his family from the age of 13.
'I wanted a name on my shirt that represented who I am and I feel I have no connection with the Alli surname,' the Spurs midfielder said.

'This is not a decision I have taken without a lot of thought and discussion with family close to me.'

Alli's mother Denise gave him away when he was just 13 while she was battling against alcoholism and faced having her children removed by Social Services.
The England international was handed over to a couple, Alan and Sally Hickford, who he is said to call his adoptive parents despite never formally being adopted.

'I knew that was the only way he could fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer,' mother Denise told The Sun on Sundayin January.

'It was tough to give up my son but it proved to be his salvation. I'm so thankful for how things have turned out.'
Alli's father, Kenny Alli, is Nigerian and currently lives in the United States. He and Denise split within a week of their wedding which came just before the Spurs star was born in April 1996.

The player's parents have both stated that they remain close to him.
Mike Dove, the head MK Don's youth system who worked with Alli through his youth career, told The Telegraphearlier this year: 'He (Alli) had a tough upbringing, challenging.'

Tottenham tweeted t writing: '@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.'

Alli was one of the stars of Tottenham's impressive rise into the Premier League's top three last season after completing the step-up from MK Dons.

He hit 10 league goals and nine assists to earn a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad and went on to start three of his country's four games.

Meanwhile, new signings Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama will take the No 9 and No 12 shirts respectively.

Alli joins Manchester United's Memphis Depay as a Premier League player who will wear his forename on the back of his shirt.
At the age of four, the Dutch winger's father left him and his family, leaving him reluctant to use his surname on his shirt.

Even without name,bros all I gat for u is much respect

Cool

#Change