DELE ALLI proved himself king of the kids when he scooped Young Player of the Season last week — but it turns out the Spurs star really does have royal blood in his veins.
Proud dad Kenny, 46, has revealed that the rising star would receive a ‘presidential welcome’ should he return to Nigeria — and how the youngster is a prince through birth.
Houston-based Alli is part of the Yoruba tribe who make up just over 20 per cent of Nigeria’s total population.
In an interview with the Daily Star, Kenny said: “If Dele went back to Nigeria now it would be crazy,”
“He would have a presidential welcome wherever he goes.
“Everybody watches him play and is proud of him. It opens every door for him being a prince. He can talk to our prime minister and the president if he wants to.”
Dele moved to Nigeria to live with his father after his parents split-up, before moving back to England as it became clear the youngster had considerable talent.
Kenny continued: “The only way he went to school was if he could play football
afterwards.
“When we left I took him to America – but I saw that he could not live there
because football is not a big sport.
“I knew the best place for him was here in the UK.
“I have always been in his life. There has never been a time when I have not been in his life.
“He calls me all the time. Sometimes he will call and say ‘did you watch that match?’. He is a family man.”
He added: “Dele being a prince in Nigeria is absolutely massive,”
“It would give him a lot of respect if he returned to live here and maybe one day he could be king of the Yoruba tribe.
“It means a lot of houses, cars and enormous wealth.”
