Pochettino 'couldn't finish' watching Dele's interview as it was 'so painful'...

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has opened up on Dele's emotional interview with Gary Neville, admitting that he couldn't finish watching it as it was 'so painful'.

The former Spurs midfielder sat down with Neville as the pair engaged in an emotional tell-all conversation.

During the chat, he opened up on his traumatic childhood and discussed the pressures he faced as a young kid.

Speaking to ESPN during Chelsea's pre-season tour, Pochettino discussed the interview as he admitted he couldn't watch the whole conversation.

'Of course, it was really tough for me to see him,' he said. 'I didn't finish the interview because it was so painful.

'He knows how we love him, how important he is for us as a person. Like a player, he was amazing but like a person he has a big, big heart.'

The Argentine continued to reveal that he is planning to meet with his former player when the Blues return from America.

'And of course, we are in contact,' Pochettino continued. 'After the USA tour I hope to see him in London, to meet him and give him a big hug.

'Always, it is tough when you love a person but they show in an interview like this, it is really, really painful. But he is a strong, unbelievable guy and for sure he will become stronger.'

Dele is currently in pre-season training with Everton as fans have responeded positively to his honest interview with Neville.

It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for the former Spurs star, who will be hoping to make the difference to Everton's side this season.