Dele Alli offered transfer – to another sport.
Former MK Dons and England football legend Dele Ali has been offered a cheeky new career after his nightmare start at new club Como 1907.
The former Dons and Spurs midfielder has suffered a miserable start to his career with the Italian Serie A team – he was sent off on his debut – but Milton Keynes bowling centre Lane7 is opening the ‘Dele Alley’, a lane in his honour, and is offering the footballer a job, including free bowling and tuition.
The bowling alley has named its lane number 8 after the soccer star, referencing his Como shirt number. It comes with Alli's face on the bowling balls, personalised bowling shoes and a commemorative plaque.
Alli has been named the most popular person to come from Milton Keynes with a following of 9.3 million online, beating women’s footballer Leah Williamson, darts player Fallon Sherrock and Olympian Greg Rutherford.
And while most sportspeople are honoured with a statue, including Rutherford, Lane7 believes a commemorative bowling lane could be Dele’s chance to turn from football to bowling ball. Bowling and Dele fans can try the ‘Dele Alley’ from next week. The centre hopes the star will attend to open the lane after they reached out to him and Como 1907.
“Dele Alli is a hero to Milton Keynes,” said Gavin Hughes, managing director of Lane7. “His time at MK Dons, Tottenham and England saw his status rise, so much so that he deserves a bowling alley named in his honour.
“While we don’t have the power to rename a road, a lane we can very much do. If he wants a go, we’ll offer him a lifetime’s free bowling. We’d love to have him bowl on his own alley.”
