Why does Dele Alli have his first name on the back of his shirt and what number does he wear for England and Spurs?
The Spurs and England midfielder has yet again had an outstanding season, but his estranged family haven't seen him in years
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR star Dele Alli continues to hit the headlines on the pitch, but his family have been making noise off of it.
The 20-year-old dropped his surname 'Alli' from being worn on match shirts, and has reportedly not seen his family in years, having refusing to see them.
His mum, dad and sister have both recently begged the former MK Dons man to get in touch with them, insisting they are not after his money.
Dele Alli has caught the attention of world football after stunning displays at White Hart Lane, and has already notched up 14 goals in all competitions this season.
Who is Dele Alli?
Dele Alli is a professional footballer that plays for Tottenham Hotspur and has represented England at international level on 15 occasions, scoring twice.
He came through the youth set-up at Milton Keynes Dons, joining them when he was 11-years-old before making his professional debut with the club as a 16-year-old in 2012.
He signed for Spurs in the winter transfer window in 2015, where he was loaned back the Dons for the remainder of the campaign.
After his first year in the Premier League, he picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award as well as being included in the PFA Team of the Year for netting ten times in the top flight.
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Why does Dele Alli just have 'Dele' on his match shirts?
Last summer, Dele Alli chose to drop his surname from his shirts as he felt no connection with the Alli family name.
When he was 13, he moved out of his family house to live with his friend and fellow MK Dons youth team-mate Harry Hickford's family.
Alli's mother Denise suffered from alcohol problems, and although Hickford's family never formally adopted him, he labels them as his adoptive parents.
What have Dele Alli's family said?
Most recently, Alli's older sister Barbara Johnson - who has an Instagram account dedicated to her brother, issued a plea begging him to see them.
She said on social media: "We all miss you and love you dearly, we not after your money or your fame we just want are (sic) little #Delbot back, love you lots like jelly tots."
While on another post she shared with her followers alongside a picture of the two, she said: "Wow it’s been 2 years since this picture was taking (sic) and 2years since I ain’t seen my baby brother.
“I think about you every day bro."
Last year she said of the situation: "Dele not talking to me is because his (sic) chosen not to, not because we got forced apart."
His mother Denise has also echoed his sister's wishes, and has said recently: "Not being able to see or speak to him hurts a lot.
"He lived with me for years and I have always been there for him both emotionally and financially.
"I waited outside after a match and when Dele came out I quietly said to him. ‘Dele… it’s me… your mum’.
"He didn’t stop. He just looked at me, said he was busy and drove off. I was in tears, it was heartbreaking."
His father Kehinde said of his son: "I know some people will think we just want him for his money, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m very wealthy in my own right and I don’t need a penny from Dele.
"I just want to be here for him and for him to know that I love him."
Why was Dele Alli booed by Nigeria fans at Wembley?
Dele Alli was booed by Nigeria fans at Wembley due to the fact that his father is Nigerian.
Many Super Eagles supporters would have liked to see the Spurs star line up alongside Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses, who both spent much of their childhoods in England.
While the NFF had been in touch, it is not thought that there was ever any real chance of him turning down England to play for Nigeria.