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 returned to Everton at the end of his loan spell in Turkey last summer but is yet to add to the 13 appearances he made for the Toffees under Frank Lampard.
However, the midfielder is targeting a return to action in the near future, telling Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “I’m doing really well. I’m injured, which is disappointing, but feeling good.
“When I did that interview I said it was the best I had felt at that time, coming out of rehab and being ready to come back playing. It’s been tough but it’s a journey I’m on and I’m just waiting to get back now.”
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.
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