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      ‘Pep will rue the day…’ – Man City fans demand return of forgotten Champions League winner after horror Rodri injury

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      HE’S a player who splits opinion – but sadly not often defences.Yet he could be a side-splitting answer to Manchester City’s problem of how to replace Rodri.Rodri has suffered a serious knee injury, which prompted many Man City fans into serious thinking over his possible replacementCredit: RexPep Guardiola has tough decisions to make if Rodri is ruled outCredit: GettyThat’s if you believe many fans online, who are mooting the return of a forgotten midfielder, currently loaned out of the Etihad for a second time.Some say he should plug the gap if star anchorman Rodri is ruled out for the season following a knee injury against Arsenal on Sunday.The Spanish Euro 2024 winner is already in Barcelona for tests that could confirm City’s fears he has torn a cruciate ligament.The 28-year-old is as close to irreplaceable as you can get for a club that has won the Premier League four seasons in a row.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSBeing without Rodri for so long would be an unthinkable problem.But fan reckon they’ve got a previously unthinkable answer – in the shape of an unfashionable player now trying to revive his career at the opposite end of the Prem.The same-aged ace in question, Kalvin Phillips, never won a regular place at City after arriving from home-town club Leeds in 2022 for £42million.And he remained on the bench during a 1-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan the next year as Pep Guardiola’s men sealed the Treble.Most read in FootballKalvin Phillips is on loan with the Tractor Boys but some fans reckon he should be thrown into the mix for a Man City returnCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis England career stuttered, albeit mainly due to injury and then a miserable second half of last term on loan at West Ham.Now Prem new boys Ipswich have borrowed Phillips for the season – with encouraging hints so far he’s rediscovering his prime combative form.Fans all spot Wright’s reaction to Hart screaming in his face after Man City goal against Arsenal And a section of Etihad fans want him back – “pronto”.One posted: “Get Kalvin Phillips recalled, he’s got a title to win us.”Another claimed City chief Guardiola will “rue the day” he let the ball-winner leave once more.”Bring Kalvin Phillips back,” pleaded a third supporter, who added, perhaps mischievously: “Who says no?”A fourth supporter suggested he was “surely almost certain to be recalled?”That sparked the response: “Yeah, he’s definitely making a strong case for it!”   But another group of fans believe that if Phillips is the solution then the champions have really got a problem.A few pointed out ready-made alternatives – reliable Mateo Kovacic, returning legend Ilkay Gundogan, England starlet Rico Lewis and versatile John Stones.So how likely do they rate Phillips’ prospects of an early Etihad comeback?”Zero chance,” said one, with the explanation: “That’s why we recalled Gundogan.”Less tactical verdicts included “Absolutely not” … “Not a prayer” … “I can do a better job”… and “Let’s not lose our heads now”.Meanwhile, several fans suggested Guardiola would revert to the “double pivot” of fielding two No6s – if Rodri’s injury proves as severe as suspected.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for neutrals, many will hope the likeable Phillips can turn his career around this term wherever he plays,And although he was forgotten by some, he was always remembered by ex-Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – who insisted England never truly replaced the 31-cap ace at his grafting best.Rodri was helped off after the second of his two injuries on SundayCredit: Rex More

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      Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 18-word statement released

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      ATALANTA’S clash against Como has been postponed due to a torrential downpour.The Serie A clash was set to kick-off at 7.45pm – but everyone now has to come back at the same time tomorrow.Atalanta vs Como has been called off and it was no surprise in the endCredit: EPAThe ball struggled to roll in the grass leaving the officials little choiceCredit: GettyKick-off was delayed by an hour then fans were sent homeCredit: ReutersFans took shelter at the back of the groundCredit: ReutersSme braved the conditions but it was all wasted in the endCredit: ReutersA statement from league chiefs initially confirmed: “Atalanta vs Como has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Another pitch inspection will be carried out shortly.”The players from both clubs had gone out onto the pitch to warm-up ahead of kick-off.But the action was compared to “water polo” by one fan watching on.The referee then carried out an inspection of the pitch by rolling the ball on the surface as the two captains watched on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ball struggled to move, getting stuck on the waterlogged grass and huge puddles also began to appear.A second inspection was then carried out 15 minutes later, with the referee deciding the game should go ahead.But Atalanta skipper Maarten De Roon reportedly called the decision “madness” as the rain continued to fall.After another discussion, the ref postponed the game until tomorrow as supporters inside the stadium were sent home.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAtalanta are in this season’s Champions League and drew 0-0 with Arsenal on Thursday last week.As for Como, they are winless in four games since promotion from the second tier.They are managed by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini caught throwing SANDWICH out of car at AC Milan fans who were abusing him after game More

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      Inside Man Utd’s wild two-day bender after winning Champions League as Paul Scholes admits he didn’t sleep for 48 hours

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars partied for days after winning the Champions League in 1999.Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt revealed they did not sleep for 48 hours after the Red Devils beat Bayern Munich in Barcelona.Paul Scholes did not sleep for two days after winning the Champions LeagueCredit: YouTube/Football’s GreatestNicky Butt also partied for daysThe pair were part of the famous Class of 92 that helped United win the TrebleCredit: Getty – ContributorUnited won the final at the Nou Camp in BarcelonaCredit: GettyAfter lifting the trophy the players travelled back to the hotel where they met friends and families before embarking on the biggest of all parties.Scholes revealed his partying continued into the morning – hours before he flew back to Manchester with the rest of the squad.Butt recalled the story on the Football’s Greatest show, saying: “From that minute we got into the party I think that was a two-day party bender.”Scholes then interjected, adding: “I was going to say I don’t think I went to bed…I was still walking around Barcelona until half seven in the morning the day after with my dad and his mate.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We were in a bar around the corner from a hotel at 7:30am, we were flying in two hours.”Butt was in the same boat as his team-mate as the party took hold.He continued: “I didn’t go to bed either. I remember having the medal around my neck and my suit on for three days.”We must have been stinking. Champagne on you, we just didn’t go to bed.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe fun did not stop there as once back in Manchester they were greeted by hoards of supporters for the trophy parade.Scholes admitted he was “virtually asleep” sitting at the back of the bus during the parade while Butt continued celebrating for two more days as nobody wanted to stop.Paul Scholes reveals Sir Alex Ferguson had Eighties pop icon training with Man Utd More

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      Supercomputer predicts Premier League table after Man City vs Arsenal with gap wider than EVER and good news for Man Utd

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be in for a nice surprise this season according to a supercomputer which has predicted the final Prem table.The Red Devils have had an inconsistent start to their campaign and find themselves 11th with just seven points from five matches.Erik ten Hag could lead Man Utd back into the Champions League this seasonCredit: AlamyArsenal are expected to dip following their impressive points tally last seasonCredit: PABut their fortunes could be about to change, despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace in a match that could have ended in defeat.After the latest round of fixtures Bettingexpert’s supercomputer, BETSiE, ran it’s algorithm to predict how the final Premier League table will look.It placed United fifth, which could be enough to secure them Champions League football if England rise from third to second in Uefa’s co-efficient table.Italy and Germany grabbed the extra places for this year’s expanded Champions League, but a strong performance from English clubs in Europe could benefit whoever finishes fifth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever it is set to be a closely run race with the supercomputer tipping United to beat Villa to fifth spot by just one point, and Tottenham by two.That means Chelsea could sneak into fourth spot, which would guarantee Champions League qualification.The Blues are unbeaten in four games after beating West Ham 3-0, with another result over the weekend leading to a startling prediction at the top of the table.Manchester City snatched a draw at home to Arsenal in a tight match that many anticipated.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWe thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged.The two sides have fought for the title in the last two years with City coming out on top twice, and the supercomputer thinks history will repeat itself.However unlike last year when the title race went down to the final day with City pipping Arsenal to top by just two points, this time around the Gunners are expected to finish eight points off.Man Utd Player Ratings vs Crystal PalaceMikel Arteta’s side managed 89 points last season but the supercomputer predicts they will get just 77 this campaign, finishing one point and one place above Liverpool. 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      Harry Redknapp: Arsenal will be Prem title favourites if they beat Man City – Arteta should follow Inter’s example

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      THE KEY message for Arsenal today is a simple one:  Don’t be beaten!If Mikel Arteta’s boys win against Manchester City, they will be Prem title favourites in many people’s books.Mikel Arteta would turn Arsenal into title favourites if he beats Manchester CityCredit: RexHarry Redknapp believes Arsenal need to learn from Inter Milan’s draw with Man CityCredit: GettyBut after three points at Tottenham and a point against Atalanta, a draw would make it a great week.I know some people say the Gunners not going for the jugular at the Etihad last season cost them the title as they fell two points short.But I still feel it was the defeat by Aston Villa a couple of weeks later that really did the damage.No one would be complaining about that draw at City had they put away their first-half chances against Villa.Read More on ArsenalIf Arsenal lose, a five-point gap will open up, though that’s not impossible to close — there will be plenty of time.But this is a massive game.It’s a huge blow for Arsenal to lose Martin Odegaard. He unlocks doors and can play killer passes.It looks like Kevin De Bruyne is out, too, but City have more strength in depth. Whoever comes in will be a world-class player — I’m not so sure Arsenal will cope as well in the absence of the brilliant Norwegian.Most read in FootballMikel Arteta leaves fans in shock as he speaks fluently in new language despite never having lived or worked in countryLet’s face it, KDB was missing for half of last season yet City still ended up as champions!Inter Milan did a good job against them in the Champions League this week — they were hard to break down.Maybe Arteta will try to do the same and hit City on the break.Arsenal’s defence looks strong, especially centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. But it’s a bit early to compare them to Tony Adams, Steve Bould and other great Arsenal defenders of the past. They haven’t won a league title.And not forgetting Martin Keown as well, George Graham had great options.Adams was an unbelievable leader and talker. They don’t make ’em like him and John Terry any more. Two of the great talkers and leaders.Haaland is a machine and scoring goals for fun again — but there was a bit of edge between him and Gabriel last time. That could kick off again.I first saw Tony play,  aged 14, at West Ham’s training ground.He bossed his team-mates around all the time: “Come in here, push in there.”I thought, “Who’s this kid?”. He was such a captain, such a leader.I’d put Terry in the same category, a real warrior centre-half who led his team to major trophies.The question today is, can the two Arsenal centre-backs cope with Erling Haaland, like they did last season?Haaland is a machine and scoring goals for fun again — but there was a bit of edge between him and Gabriel last time. That could kick off again.  Regardless, it would be good to see a better game than last time, which was a bit of a bore — ending 0-0.Let’s hope it lives up to its star billing — even though I’m predicting  a 1-1 draw. But Arteta would be delighted with that.RAYA REMINDED ME OF JAMODAVID RAYA’S double save against Atalanta was brilliant.It was key in that Champions League clash on Thursday and Arsenal have a star in Raya.Many say Gordon Banks denying Pele’s header at the 1970 World Cup is the greatest stop of all time but for me it is David James for my Portsmouth at Preston in the FA Cup fifth round in 2008.Jamo pulled off a miracle save to stop  a penalty and made two other key saves before we won 1-0 with a late goal before going on to win the famous old trophy.CLOUGHIE MY HAIROIT’S hard to believe it’s 20 years since Brian Clough died.He was just amazing. To win two European Cups with Forest is beyond belief.You could sit and listen to stories about Cloughie all night — and I heard a new one the other night from my old mate Kevin Bond.Cloughie came in for Kevin when he was at Manchester City and the clubs agreed a fee. Kevin    drove to Nottingham to do the deal, only to be told by the secretary: “Mr Clough is in his office, he’ll be out shortly.”Kev sat outside for a good hour before Cloughie appeared and barked: “First thing you need to do, young man, is get your bloody hair cut.”And then he walked off.Two hours later, Kevin was still there waiting, but Clough never returned.So Kevin drove back to Manchester and that was that!ROD COULD STRIKE OUTRODRI says players are close to going on strike.But that would be a disastrous move as it’d send an awful message to fans who pay their wages.Stars should be talking to clubs, who could   cut back on pre-season tours for a start.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut it’s all about money as flying off to the USA, Australia  and China is the worst  preparation for a season.We’d go to Devon to play the likes of Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay so — make no  mistake — it’s clubs putting the strain on the players. More

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      I 100 per cent fear getting dementia but have ways to try to fight it off, admits Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson, 82

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has revealed that he is “100 per cent” worried about getting dementia.The former Manchester United boss, 82, also lifted the lid on how he misses life in the Old Trafford dugout in a rare extended interview.Sir Alex Ferguson revealed how he sharpens his mind amid fears he’ll lose his memoryCredit: GettyThe legendary manager began working with a charity before Bobby Charlton succumbed to dementia last yearEngland heroes Nobby Stiles, Sir Bobby Charlton and his brother Jack Charlton were all diagnosed before their deaths.In an interview about his work with a dementia charity, Fergie was asked if the disease frightens him.He told BBC Breakfast: “I’m 82, obviously I worry about it. Generally my memory is quite good, pray the lord and touch wood it will stay that way. “But I worry about it, 100 per cent. I would be lying if I said anything different.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSF”I read a lot, I do quizzes a lot and I think that helps. “You have those YouTube quizzes, 100 questions, and I think if I don’t get to 70 per cent I’m struggling.”Several other footballers face an ongoing battle with dementia including ex-Middlesbrough striker Alan Peacock, 86.Sir Alex suffered a brain haemorrhage back in 2018, after which he underwent successful emergency surgery at Salford Royal Hospital.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis late wife Lady Cathy, who he described as his “bedrock”, died aged 84 last October following a serious illness.United hero Denis Law suffers from Alzheimer’s at the age of 84, having admitted a few years back that the condition had caused him anger, frustration, confusion and distress.Fergie retired from management in 2013 following a 27-year spell with United.Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongThe fierce Scotsman until this day still also regularly attends United games both home and away.On missing the glory days, Fergie added: “I have been retired 11 years now so you find a way of adjusting. Yeah, I miss it sometimes. “I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games.”So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day.”Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in.”He was speaking as part of National Playlist Day, which is used to celebrate the power of personalised music playlist for those living with dementia.One of the songs on Sir Alex’s playlist is My Own True Love by Margaret Whiting, the theme from the 1939 film Gone with the Wind.It reminds him of his beloved wife, Cathy, who he met in 1964 while working at a typewriter factory. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe took United into four Champions League finals after claiming the European Cup Winners Cup with Aberdeen in 1983 – a feat that first drew him to Old Trafford chiefs.The legendary boss won 13 Prem titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues during his Red Devils reign. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne could leave Man City midway through tournament with Real Madrid also facing contract chaos

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      KEVIN DE BRYUNE is one of a number of top stars who could leave their clubs next summer in the MIDDLE of the new Club World Cup.The newly expanded tournament will feature 32 teams – the Premier League’s representatives are Manchester City and Chelsea – playing in the United States across June and July.Kevin De Bruyne is among the stars whose contracts are expiring in the middle of the Club World Cup next summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid’s Luka Modric is another star with this problemCredit: AlamyHowever, Fifa has yet to secure a TV deal for the tournament and confirm venues the games will be played at before the July 13 final.It has been heavily criticised for adding more fixtures to an already packed calendar.And these are not the only headaches looming over the tournament.According to The Telegraph, players competing in the tournament have begun seeing clarity over their contract situations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is because the dates of the competition overlap June 30, which is the year-end for registrations globally recognised by Fifa.Several top stars will see their contract expire on the date next summer, meaning in theory that players could start playing the tournament for one team and end it with another.Belgium international De Bruyne is one of these.The report states many more players from the 12 Uefa clubs in the tournament have also asked for clarity over whether they would be allowed to compete due to their contracts being up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne source said: “If this had been held last summer, Kylian Mbappe would have started the Club World Cup playing for PSG and ended it at Real Madrid.”Real Madrid have three major stars who come under this bracket, with Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez all out of contract next summer. Man City vs Arsenal WagsMeanwhile, Bayern Munich have six players affected by the issue, with Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Eric Dier, Sven Ulreich and Alphonso Davies all out of contract next summer. Davies is a long-term transfer target of Madrid, so may have his future acutely impacted.Football’s governing body have created a never-before-seen dilemma with competitive club football not usually played at that time of year, which is when contract decisions are made en masse.Numerous legal issues surrounding said contracts may also unfold, with factors such as agent fees, salary and insurance all surrounding free agents. Fifa are expected to announce the venues for the tournament in the coming weeks, with much of it set to be played in the eastern USA.The expected venues are the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; Washington DC’s FedEx Field; Philadelphia’s Subaru Park; Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium; Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa president Gianni Infantino also faces problems such as audience interest in the States and a potential player revolution before it comes about.Man City star Rodri has hinted it may be a possibility for players to ensure they are heard, after persistent complaints that they are not listened to over concerns of match load.Alphonso Davies could switch from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in the middle of the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      Champions League club brutally trolled by its OWN SPONSOR after opening week defeat

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE club have been brutally trolled by their own sponsor.The brutal social media jibe came after a defeat in their opening match of the league phase.Stuttgart have been brutally trolled by shirt sponsors WinamaxCredit: EPAThe German club were forced to face Real Madrid without a shirt sponsor on TuesdayCredit: RexIt is the latest development in an ongoing row between the club and their shirt sponsor.German side Stuttgart and betting firm Winamax are set to end their partnership at the end of this season.The Bundesliga outfit have triggered an exit clause in their deal and will replace the betting provider with a regional bank next summer.However, Winamax remain on the front of Die Roten’s shirts this term, at least domestically.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAdvertising rules in Spain prevented the club from displaying their sponsor away to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.According to Bild, Stuttgart had hoped to have a charity take Winamax’s place in line with Uefa rules.The proposal was rejected by the French firm, though, leaving the shirts blank at the Santiago Bernabeu.Stuttgart went on to lose 3-1 to the reigning champions in their first Champions League match since 2010.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTheir disappointment was then further compounded on social media by Winamax.In a post on X, the sponsors wrote: “Don’t worry. At VfB’s next game in the CL with Winamax on the jersey, we’ll get the three points.”SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatWinamax mocked Stuttgart’s defeat to Real Madrid on social media after the matchCredit: X / @WinamaxSportAn image was also attached of a dream castle and a ghostly castle surrounded by lightning.Underneath the dream castle, a message read: “Vfb Stuttgart with Winamax on the jersey,” with another next to the ghostly castle stating: “Vfb Stuttgart without Winamax on the jersey.”The report adds it is unclear if an agreement will be reached between the club and Winamax before Stuttgart’s next European trip.Sebastian Hoeness’ side travel to Turin to face Juventus on October 22, with betting providers also banned as sponsors in Italy.Winamax will appear on Stuttgart’s shirts at home to Sparta Prague on October 1, though. More