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      Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi’s daughter reveals Italy legend apologised on his deathbed before tragic passing at 59

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      ITALY legend Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi’s daughter revealed he apologised to her on his deathbed.The Italia ’90 World Cup hero passed away aged 59 on Wednesday following a battle with colon cancer.Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi apologised to his daughter on his deathbedCredit: EPAThe Italy legend passed away on WednesdayCredit: AFPThousands of fans gathered for his funeralHis funeral was held hin his home town of Palermo, SicilySchillachi’s coffin was draped in scarves and shirtsThousands of fans gathered in Palermo for his funeral and his coffin was draped in scarves and football shirts.Schillachi’s daughter Jessica described him as a “hero” and recalled the last few months they spent together, with the former striker diagnosed in 2022.Jessica also revealed her father apologised to her and her brother Mattia on his deathbed.She told Tuttosport: “Three days ago, as my brother Mattia and I were at his bedside, we told him that TV operators were already outside of the hospital..READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He told us: ‘I only care about you’. And he said he was sorry for not being present all the times he would’ve wished, and we would’ve wished.”Jessica also discussed the best memories she shared with her father and a trip she took with him in the summer.She continued: “We talked, we also joked until it was possible. We recalled the best moments in our lives, the ones you’ll never forget, that even death won’t be able to take away from me.“He was a hero in his own way, but he was just a father to me.Most read in Football“I took some days off in July to stay with my dad. We went to Isola delle Femmine; he would’ve wanted to take me on a boat trip, but he was already very tired.“We settled for a bath in the sea and a fish lunch; it was wonderful. You could see he was struggling when he took me back to the airport.“The situation got worse in the last days: my dad started to play a game he knew he would lose.“But he played it until the end, not thinking about him but about all the people he loved, and he’ll keep loving wherever he is now.”Italy legendSchillaci represented Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan throughout his career, but saw his most memorable moments happen in the famous blue of the Italian national team.The Palermo-born striker was the World Cup Golden Boot winner during the Italia 90 tournament.His six goals saw him beat footballing legend Diego Maradona to the trophy as Italy finished third in their home tournament.Schillaci, who was virtually unknown outside of Italy prior to the tournament, soon became a household name after netting against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile he also denied England a third-place finish after helping Italy beat the Three Lions in the tournament’s third-place playoff match in Bari.Schillaci retired in 1997, hanging up his boots at Japanese club Jubilo Iwata. More

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      Aggie Beever-Jones backs Bompastor to bring ‘spice’ to title race and Chelsea’s push for WSL crown

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      AGGIE BEEVER-JONES reckons Sonia Bompastor will add “some spice” to the WSL title fight as she eyes a winning start in England’s top tier.Tonight is the start of a new era for the Blues, with their France-born head coach, 44, going into her first Women’s Super League contest.Beever-Jones and her team-mates are targeting a season-opening win against Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Blues clash with Villa will be Sonia Bompastor’s first competitive match at Chelsea’s helmCredit: GettyA rejuvenated Aston Villa, with new gaffer Robert de Pauw, are first to pit their wits against a team chasing a sixth successive title.A side that now boasts some of the most formidable forwards in Europe, including Beever-Jones, Mayra Ramirez and star striker Sam Kerr.Beever-Jones said: “That’s one of the great things about Chelsea.”Our squad is big and every single player is good enough to start a game and live up to the Chelsea standard.Read More Football Stories “I’ve always seen the competition as a good thing and I’m always learning and watching other people.”From Mayra, to Sam, to me, to Mia (Fishel) to Cat (Macario) – we’re all very different players.”We all kind of have our own uniqueness to us which makes us different.”You can pick up a few things from other players and you want to impress. Most read in Football”Hopefully I’m doing that and making Sonia happy.”Last term saw Kerr sidelined at the halfway stage of the season after sustaining an ACL injury at a Blues training camp in January.The absence of the Australia star prompted the club’s January swoop for Colombia striker Ramirez.And Beever-Jones says she’s ready to cheer Kerr to the rafters should she find the back of the net for the hundredth time for the Blues when fit.Beever-Jones added: “We had a goal competition at the start of last season and then unfortunately Sam’s injury happened.”But after every game I played in she’d come up to me to say ‘congrats’”She’s one of my biggest supporters and when she (comes back and) scores her 100th goal, I’ll probably be running up to her and screaming for her, given how hard she’s worked.”I’ll be delighted as will all the other girls in the team. “For me, the competition within the team is good. You’ve got to play better, but I’m excited for it.”Having been a Champions League winner as a Lyon player and manager, Bompastor is determined to guide Chelsea to European glory for the first time in their existence.And Beever-Jones believes her boss can add “a little spice” to the title-holders’ battle for more silverware.The striker, who scored 11 goals in 17 WSL games last term, added: “Chelsea has been so successful for so many years and Sonia is adding her own uniqueness to our style of play.“It’s just adding her little bit of spice to the Chelsea way.“And when the season starts and we’re in the four competitions again it will be challenging to see how the tactics play out.“But we’re in such safe hands and we’ve got a great team of players.When asked what fans watching can expect from her side, Chelsea chief Bompastor said: “They will see a team that is really competitive.”One that’s enjoying playing together at the highest level.”The most important thing is getting results. Bompastor says winning results are her priorityCredit: Getty”We want to win, to start the league strongly and to be efficient as a team scoring goals whilst being defensively very strong.”I hope we’ll be able to show a good football style, but for me that’s not the priority.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The result is what’s really important. But if we can have both, I will be very happy.”Chelsea’s WSL season-opening game against Aston Villa can be watched live from 7:00pm tonight on BBC 2 More

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      Inside Man Utd’s Old Trafford architects’ incredible projects from entire futuristic desert city to strange dog kennels

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have enlisted help from a global architecture group to develop a ‘masterplan’ for the Old Trafford area.The Red Devils are looking to build a new stadium that will act as a ‘Wembley of the North’.Man Utd have appointed an architect group to help with the development of a new stadiumCredit: RexNew co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ambitious plans for the build, including a 100,000-fan capacity.He also wants to regenerate the club-owned land surrounding the stadium by incorporating mixed-use developments that will benefit the local community.With Man Utd intent on building a “world-class football destination and home” for supporters, club officials have appointed world-renowned group Foster + Partners.The company has been involved with a number of huge projects, including the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium in London.Read More in FootballIt also helped to build the Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.But Foster + Partners do not just operate in sport…South Sabah Al-AhmadLord Foster, the group’s founder and executive chairman, is currently helping to develop South Sabah Al-Ahmad – a brand-new city located 80km south of Kuwait City in the Middle East.It will be a home to around 280,000 people and create 145,000 jobs in a diverse range of industries.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe new futuristic desert city, which spans 22,000,000 square metres, is expected to be completed by 2040.It is also anticipated to cost £7.6BILLION ($10bn).The group is currently helping to develop a huge city in the Middle East named South Sabah Al-AhmadCredit: Foster + PartnersIt will be a home to around 280,000 peopleCredit: Foster + PartnersInside the SoFi Stadium as Man Utd look for inspiration for new Old Trafford Dog kennelsFoster + Partners is also in the dog kennel market having created two innovative designs.One of the products, the Dome-Home, features a geodesic shell structure with a removable fabric liner.It received a gold at the International Design Awards.The company also developed the Barc kennel, which is made up of a few components that can be easily put together and taken apart.The Company has also helped with the development of dog kennelsCredit: Foster + PartnersOne Beverly HillsAmong several other projects, the group is also helping to transform 17.5 acres of land in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.The masterplan will introduce 10 acres of open space and breathtaking gardens, which will be a sustainable oasis of wellness, encouraging exploration and relaxation.The landscape architect, RIOS, has curated over 200 species of California native plants and trees including palms, oaks, sycamores and succulents to be integratedSome parts will be open exclusively for residents, club members and hotel guests with the remaining areas accessible to the public.It is set to be completed in three years.An area in Beverly Hills is also under developmentCredit: Foster + PartnersHuaxing New TownHuaxing New Town is located at the centre of the Suzhou Creek CBD in Shanghai.Foster + Partners was tasked with developing the 253,000 m2 area back in 2018.The new development consists of two office towers and a connecting retail podium. The tallest tower – around 320 metres high – is set to offer spectacular views of Huangpu River Bay, West Bund and Suzhou Creek.Huaxing New Town consists of two office towers and a connecting retail podiumCredit: Foster + PartnersThe OneThe 80-storey structure in Toronto will become Canada’s tallest building and its second tallest man-made structure after the CN Tower.The first 18 storeys will include restaurants, event spaces, two major retailers and a luxury hotel.Toronto’s Apple store is also expected to move into the building.It is set to be completed next year.The One is a new skyscraper set to open in Toronto next yearCredit: Foster + PartnersBattersea Roof GardensDeveloped as part of the Battersea Power Station masterplan, the garden has 23,000 plants and 55 trees.The mixed-use building features 436 apartments and a hotel.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt sits alongside 50 Electric Boulevard, a wellbeing-centred office building with 200,000 square feet of new workspace.Battersea Roof Gardens opened last year.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      De Pauw targets top six finish as Aston Villa prepare for season opener against Chelsea

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      ROBERT DE PAUW jokes of enjoying being part of “a bald Dutch coaches union” working at the highest levels of football.After a pre-season that saw Aston Villa beat Manchester City, fans of his side may have high hopes for their team in the WSL this term.Aston Villa visit Chelsea for their first WSL game this term under head coach Robert de PauwCredit: RexVilla are hoping to improve on their seventh place finish in the league last termCredit: GettyTonight Villa embark on a new journey under their Netherlands-born manager four months after the departure of former boss Carla Ward.One that will see them attempt to reproduce the form that led to their top four challenge before claiming fifth spot a year ago.Like Chelsea chief Sonia Bompastor, De Pauw will be overseeing his first WSL game since taking charge of Villa in June.And the coach who led FC Twente to a top-flight title win in the Netherlands’ top-flight two years ago, is content to be part of an influential contingent of Dutch coaches making their mark here.Read More Football StoriesThe Villa chief said: “I made a joke already in an interview with Sky that I was a member of the Bald Dutch Coaches Union, because there are so many here.”We have Arjan Veurink (England Women’s assistant) who was my boss at the KNVB (the Royal Dutch Football Association.”Sarina (Wiegman) I know also from that period. “Arne Slot looks like me. I only said hi to him once, but it’s funny. Most read in Football”I saw some interviews of him, and it’s like the same processes that I have now, getting settled in, getting used to the environment, missing your family.”Erik ten Hag is also here, so yeah, we’re quite a large group now.”Before finishing seventh in the league last term, Aston Villa ended the season before in fifth place. It was highest ever finish in the WSL since their promotion to the top tier in 2020.Their pre-season this summer produced some positive outcomes with the team unbeaten in five friendlies.A September 1 trip to Charlton resulted in a 2-2 draw with the promotion chasing Women’s Championship side.A game that saw some experimentation with Villa’s attack. Katie Robinson, Kirsty Hanson, Ebony Salmon started alongside Adriana Leon, before the second-half introduction of Kenza Dali, Jordan Nobbs and skipper Rachel Daly.Other results included 1-0 wins against Liverpool and Spanish side Real Betis in August with forwards Leon and Salmon netting the winners in those games.And a 3-1 warm-up defeat of Everton this month was followed claimed a 2-1 friendly victory against Manchester City with Lucy Staniforth netting following a Paula Tomas assist. Along with Robinson, who joined Villa as a free agent in July, Spain left-back Tomas is among eight new summer signings with De Pauw strengthening his attacking, midfield and goalkeeper options.Their new arrivals include Gabi Nunes, who like Tomas, joined the club from Spanish side Levante.The Brazil forward, who helped her national side to win silver at the Paris Olympics, netted 11 goals in 28 top-flight appearances in Spain last season.On how much the Villans now resemble a Robert de Pauw team, the Villa boss said: “We had a really good game against Everton. “The things we’re trying to implement were there so clearly. It was a big relief for me.”They’re understanding what we’re trying to do, and it’s coming across.”And of course, it will not be perfect, but there were really the things that I would like to see.”Following their promising resutls De Pauw is targeting a top-six finish in his first term at the helm.He said: “Top six is what we have projected.”If you look at the past season we were seventh and we want to do better than that. The season before we were fifth.”It will not be easy, there is no guarantee but that is the challenge you want to face.”Following her Villa arrival Robinson has high hopes for her future under de Pauw and what the team can achieve with their boss.The Villans chief believes Robinson’s ambition matches those of the club and believes she can be a “difference maker for his side”.Robinson, who left Albion in June after a four-year spell, said: “I had some really good conversations with the club and with Robert.”I’m really excited to see what we can achieve. “Robert has a great attitude and a big winning mentality and that’s really important to me.De Pauw’s side will host Tottenham at Villa Park on September 29 in their first WSL home game this termCredit: Getty”Hopefully where he can implement me in the squad can really bring the best out of me as a player.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to contribute to the team as much as possible with goals and assists, I know I’ve got that in me.”Ultimately, I want to develop as a player and this is best club for me to do that.” More

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      Vincent Kompany tells Harry Kane and Bayern Munich stars to ‘have a beer’ at Oktoberfest and says ‘we will join in’

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      VINCENT KOMPANY has told Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich teammates to go to a beer festival – and indulge in full.Manchester City icon Kompany has made a heady start to his career in charge of the German giants.Vincent Kompany told Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich teammates to go to a beer festivalCredit: GettyThe Bayern squad will enjoy a pint – or twoCredit: GettyBayern are top of the Bundesliga after winning all three games, and they thrashed Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday.Kompany, 38, and his squad are due to attend Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest on Sunday.He, England skipper Kane and fellow ex-Premier League stars Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, Leroy Sane and Eric Dier will don lederhosen for the occasion.Belgian Kompany said: “The Oktoberfest is important for the players’ families to experience a bit of Munich and Bavaria’s culture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The festival is important for a lot of people.  We are looking forward to it, and we will join in.”The day before is all about our game at Werder Bremen, but then we will witness some Bavarian culture.”Drinking beer is all part of it.  If the players want to have a beer on Sunday I’ve got no problem with it.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The main thing is that they are once again fit on Monday!Most read in Football”Of course I’ll sometimes have a beer myself.  I’m from Belgium, and the beer there is something special.Watch Vincent Kompany scream ‘don’t f***ing test me big boy’ in explosive X-rated row in sneak preview to Burnley TV doc”A competition between Bavarian and Belgian beers would be at a pretty high level.”I’ve never been to the Oktoberfest before, but I was in Munich with Manchester City while the festival was on.”It was difficult even for City to find a hotel for our stay.”Kane at Oktoberfest last yearCredit: GettyManuel Neuer, Kane and Thomas Mueller enjoyed a large beerCredit: Reuters More

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      England stars upset at being charged commission by PFA for doing commercial work on international duty

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      ENGLAND players are not happy at having to pay 10 per cent commission to the PFA on commercial work during international duty.The players’ union took over responsibility for negotiating Three Lions stars’ sponsorship and endorsement deals before last summer’s Euros in Germany.England players are upset at being charged commission by the PFA for commercial workCredit: RexPromoting commercial partners such as Budweiser comes with a fee whilst on international dutyCredit: GettyPFA chiefs also agreed to help them during negotiations with the FA over fees for personal appearances to promote commercial partners such as Nike and Budweiser.The new deal is thought to have been struck on behalf of the squad late last season by England’s senior leadership team — led by captain Harry Kane.But a number of players are understood to have been surprised to learn in recent weeks that they agreed to pay a 10 per cent fee to the PFA.SunSport understands this issue was raised when England met up for Nations League duty earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet there is no appetite to renegotiate the contract.Many players assumed the PFA were obliged to act on their behalf — or at least would offer a discount on commission.The PFA declined to comment, but sources close to the union told SunSport that a 10 per cent rate was standard practice across the industry, with the money required to cover their costs.In addition to negotiating with potential sponsors and the FA, the union’s legal team will also provide support to the players.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThree Lions stars’ commercial dealings have been shrouded in controversy for years, much of which surrounds Gareth Southgate’s former agent Terry Byrne.He negotiated a 14-year deal with the FA to represent the squad — but was paid off last season amid a long-running dispute.Harry Kane’s favourite England goalsThe FA declined to comment.Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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      ‘What’s that?’ – Chabuddy G actor left stunned by what’s in Fulham’s trophy cabinet during Craven Cottage tour

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      ACTOR Charlie Cooper showed Newcastle-supporting pal Asim Chaudhry around his beloved Craven Cottage ahead of Fulham’s meeting with the Toon this weekend.This Country star Cooper, 35, gave Chabuddy G actor Chaudhry a behind-the-scenes tour which even included a glimpse at the Cottagers’ trophy cabinet.Fulham fan Charlie Cooper gave Newcastle-supporting pal Asim Chaudhry a tour of Craven CottageCredit: YouTubeThe pair were left stunned by Fulham’s trophy cabinetCredit: YouTubeWhile Fulham have earned plenty of promotions down the years, major silverware has largely eluded them.They finished as FA Cup runners-up in 1975, while they agonisingly lost the 2010 Europa League final to Atletico Madrid following an incredible run under Roy Hodgson.Taking pride of place in their cabinet is the Intertoto Cup, which they earned under Jean Tigana 22 years ago.While Cooper and Chaudhry both got to hold and kiss the actual Intertoto Cup trophy, the latter’s eyes had been drawn by two more unusual cups.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLooking confused, he asked: “What’s that?”It was pointed out by their guide that Chaudhry was looking at The Algarve Trophy, to which Cooper cheekily responded: “Of course! How could I forget? I shed a tear when we won that.”Fulham earned the pre-season trophy last month, beating Benfica 1-0 courtesy of an Alex Iwobi goal.It wasn’t their first triumph in the Algarve Cup, having also beaten Nice to win it in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIronically, Chaudhry’s beloved Newcastle have also won the pre-season competition, having beaten Braga 2-1 to take it in 2012.Chaudhry then put on an American accent as he pointed out the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup.Fans to finally get first look at Premier League club’s new VIP experience – with rooftop bar and SWIMMING POOLCooper joked: “You know you haven’t won many trophies when you have to get the Dallas Cup to fill it out.”His pal quipped that the “massive” trophy probably had Fulham chiefs fuming at “travel charges” on the way home due to its heft.The Dallas Cup is actually a prestigious youth team tournament featuring teams from all over the world.Fulham were one of four European teams to enter in 2013, alongside Manchester United, Eintracht Frankfurt and Danish side AaB Fodbold.In group play the West Londoners defeated Brazilians Coritiba and Americans LA Galaxy, before thrashing Frankfurt 5-0.They then beat Brazilians Fluminense 2-1 in the semis before overcoming Japanese outfit Kashiwa Reysol 5-1 in the final.Fulham’s Dallas Cup-winning Under-19 side featured several players who would go on to play for their first team – including Cauley Woodrow, Marek Rodak and Emerson Hyndman.Fulham proudly displayed their 2013 Dallas CupCredit: YouTube More

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      Man City vs Arsenal: Get £40 in free bets to spend on the Premier League with BetMGM

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      THE Premier League’s top two meet in a mouth-watering duel on Sunday when Manchester City host Arsenal.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a whopping £40 in free bets when YOU register an account and stake a tenner on the top flight showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsMan City v Arsenal: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. But you must do this within seven days of opening your account.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Man City v Arsenal: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**New customers only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More