We certainly hope that Spurs fans haven’t already committed to getting their “Alli – 20” jersey printed up for opening day.
That’s because the Tottenham midfielder has made the decision to change the name he will sport on the back of his jersey for the 2016/17 Premier League season.
The England international, like Memphis Depay before him, has opted to drop his family name on his shirt as he simply feels no connection to it.
“I wanted a name on my shirt that represented who I am and I feel I have no connection with the Alli surname,” the 20-year-old told Sky Sports.
“This is not a decision I have taken without a lot of thought and discussion with family close to me.”
Alli’s personal battle to embrace his family name has been a public one after, earlier this year, his birth mother revealed to the Sun that she gave her son away when he was a teenager as she was struggling with alcoholism.
He is believed to feel more emotionally connected with his adoptive parents and has thus decided to wear simply ‘Dele’ across the reverse of his matchday shirts from here on out.
He is not the first player to do so. You may notice North London rival Alexis Sanchez sporting his first name across his back for Arsenal and may also remember former Fulham player Bryan Ruiz, who did the same.
Unfortunately for Cesc Fabregas, his request to have ‘Cesc’ on his back was rejected in the past.
Some managers must just be more understanding than others.
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