Prince William issues statement of support for Dele Alli after he opens up on addiction and mental health

William captioned the tweet: "Brave and inspirational @dele_official.

"Discussing mental health is not a sign of weakness. Let’s keep the conversation going.

"We’re all with you and we wish you the very best. W".

Alli, 27, recently spent six weeks in rehab because of a sleeping pill addiction and mental health issues.

Earlier this year the midfielder returned to his parent club Everton after an unsuccessful loan at Turkish side Besiktas.

Alli told The Overlap: "When I came back from Turkey, I found out I needed an operation and I was in a bad place mentally."

He continued: "I decided to go to a modern-day rehab facility for mental health. They deal with addiction, mental health and trauma.

"I felt like it was time for me. You can't be told to go there. You have to know and make the decision yourself or it's not going to work.

"I was caught in a bad cycle. I was relying on things that were doing me harm.

"I was waking up every day and I was winning the fight, going into training, smiling, showing that I was happy - but inside I was definitely losing the battle. It was time for me to change it."

The footballer also discussed the abuse he suffered as a child, including being "molested" aged six by a friend of his biological mother.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who interviewed Alli, shared a clip of the discussion on Twitter and wrote: "I’m struggling to find the words to put with this post but please watch my most recent interview with Dele.

"It’s the most emotional, difficult yet inspirational conversation I’ve ever had in my life."

In a statement, Alli's club, Everton said: "Everyone at Everton respects and applauds Dele's bravery to speak about the difficulties he has faced, as well as seek the help required.

"Dele will not be conducting any further interviews in relation to his rehabilitation, and we ask that his privacy is respected while he continues his recuperation from injury and receives the full care and support needed for his physical and mental wellbeing."