Dele pens emotional farewell message to Spurs & Pochettino as he joins Everton

Dele Alli has posted a heartfelt farewell to Tottenham Hotspur, with a special message of appreciation for ex-manager Mauricio Pochettino, as he departs for Everton.

The England international, whose form had slumped dramatically in north London, completed a move that could eventually reach £40million on transfer deadline day.

There is no upfront fee for Everton but they will pay £10m to Spurs once Alli has played 20 matches for the club.

That means they have effectively signed him for nothing until the summer with Everton having 18 games left this season.

Alli, 25, described Everton as 'a huge club with a great fanbase and history' as he looks to resurrect his career but also penned an appreciation of Tottenham as well as posting a highlights reel.

Alli wrote: 'It's the end of a chapter but not the book… Thank you all for the messages.

'I've had an incredible 7 years at Tottenham and have made some life long friends that now feel like family!

'I want to wish my brothers all the best for the rest of the season and more. To the fans, I want to say thank you.

'We've had some incredible moments together than will stay with me for the rest of my life and I will never forget the amazing support you have given me.

'Playing for you was a dream come true and you will always be in my heart.

'I want to give a special mention to Mauricio and his staff for their trust and guidance in the early part of my career at Spurs, which gave me the confidence and platform to show what I can do.

'I love you all and wish you the best for the future! Dele out.'

The 25-year-old failed to reignite his stalling career under Antonio Conte at Spurs, scoring just one goal in 10 Premier League games this season, and was linked with both Everton, Newcastle and Crystal Palace in the January window.

After sealing his move to Goodison Park, where he will play under new manager Frank Lampard, Alli said: 'I'm delighted to have signed for Everton, a huge club with a great fanbase and history.

'I'm eager to get started and can't wait for my first game in an Everton shirt. I'm looking forward to helping the team and the opportunity to work with the new manager Frank Lampard.'

The England international, who played 269 times and scored 67 goals for Spurs after joining in February 2015, is new Everton manager Lampard's first permanent addition, following a loan move for Donny van de Beek from Manchester United.

Dele could potentially make his Everton debut in the Premier League fixture at Newcastle United next Tuesday.