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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

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      Tottenham cult hero explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo despite Coventry slog

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      TOTTENHAM legend Gus Poyet believes Ange Postecoglou can win the Carabao Cup and end Spurs’ miserable trophyless run.The North Londoners haven’t won any silverware since 2008 when they lifted the League Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final.Gus Poyet believes Ange Postecoglou can win the Carabao CupCredit: GettyPoyet claimed Tottenham can turn things around despite a poor showing with CoventryCredit: EPATottenham haven’t won a trophy in 16 years and almost got eliminated by the Championship sideCredit: RexPostecoglou’s side didn’t convince that this streak will be coming to an end this season after a poor showing at Coventry in the Carabao Cup that saw them barely snatching a late 2-1 victory on Wednesday.The Aussie tactician issued a defiant statement last week when he insisted that he “always” wins silverware in his second year in charge of any team.Poyet loved the Tottenham manager’s confidence after years of predecessors compromising for a top-four spot and he believes his former club finally has a winner in the dugout.The Chelsea legend told SunSport on behalf of William Hill when asked if Postecoglou can win the Carabao Cup: “Yes, I think it Is the first time in many, many years that we’ve seen a coach saying, ‘I’m gonna win something’. Read More on Football”Before that it was always qualifying for the Champions League. So why not?”I mean, about the performances or about how the team plays, it’s difficult to make an opinion. “You know, the coaches, we’re looking for a different thing but at the end of the day you have to win football games.”Your identity is very important because that way you have consistency. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But in cup games, you need to win. I mean, I don’t remember anyone saying, ‘Yeah, we won the cup but we really played bad’.”So nobody will remember how they played at Coventry if they win the Carabao Cup. Ange Postecoglou appears to promise Tottenham fans a trophy THIS SEASON in feisty interview after Arsenal loss, X Sky Sports PL”So it’s a matter of getting through and winning the final. I don’t remember anyone complaining about winning in a final playing badly.”Poyet, though, understands that it won’t be easy for Tottenham to best other cup favourites, such as Manchester City, Liverpool and rivals Arsenal.The ex-Brighton boss believes Spurs could do with a bit of luck in the draw but also insists Postecoglou will have to find consistency to finally end those 16 years of hurt following a poor start in the Prem.Poyet said: “There’s two different situations in here. One is the draw. You need to be lucky. The other situation, I think it’s always more or less the same.”I don’t think there’s too much difference to Spurs from this year and last year, [Dominic] Solanke maybe, the striker [is the only difference]. You need to start scoring. “I think the situation now with Spurs is more about consistency. Everybody wants consistency, one that will help win football games constantly, every weekend, big derbies, all those situations.”Poyet maintains strong belief in Postecoglou and advised Tottenham chiefs to back him.But the ex-Sunderland boss also urged the players to step up for the 59-year-old head coach.Poyet added: “I’m always in the situation of, let’s wait, give the coach a chance and let’s wait. And then the players, they need to do their jobs. “[Managers] Are part of the staff to try to help the players to go and win for them. But the ones that play are the players. “I believed in this when I was a player. I needed to play. I needed to perform. I needed to read the game. I needed to take the decisions. I needed to do the right thing. “If I got one chance I needed to score that one. Not next week. So I really believed that when I was a player and I didn’t change.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m a coach. Now, the more we help them, the more we clarify things or convene things, the team plays better and wins football games. “So I think now every single Spurs player knows clearly his role. So now they need to do it.” More

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      New Champions League format is tiring enough to follow let alone play in – it’s time to listen to the players

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      SUPPORTERS are bound to like more top-class football.But the players? Not so much.Karren Brady insists Uefa chiefs need to listen to the playersCredit: GettyThe new Champions League format has added even more fixturesCredit: EPAA number of them are so tired at the thought of an expanded football programme in Europe and to an extension of the Club World Cup next summer that they are threatening to strike.The people who pay to watch ask: Why?Premier League stars are millionaires and the demand for additional Continental matches means greater fame and bigger earnings.Players understand this reaction but as Aston Villa captain John McGinn pointed out after the win over Young Boys in a freshly minted Champions League: “At times, the mental side of things you need to switch off.Read More on Football“It is hard to churn them out when you are playing 70-plus games a season and then internationals. There’s not a lot of time to rest.”Uefa have added two extra fixtures — it could be four for some — to a competition which had been a straightforward formula of sorting out the better teams from leagues of four clubs.The new arrangement opens with a league of 36 clubs — a magical confusion of ties in four sections each between clubs of similar standards before knockout matches begin with play-offs just to get into the Last 16.I don’t know about player fatigue, my own mental side is pretty tired at that lot.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYou might also wonder about the reason behind this restructuring.Cynics are even suggesting extra profits will appease the Super League rebel crew and circumnavigate any possible future revolution. Uefa and Fifa made the decision that the plot should be altered.Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson says ‘our opinion does not matter’Next summer the refashioned Club World Cup will take its bow and among the clubs competing are Chelsea and Manchester City.City are going to have a busy summer. No wonder midfielder Rodri talked in strike terms, adding that 40 to 50 matches should be about maximum for a season.He  played 63 competitive games for club and country last season, and featured for 5,598 minutes between July 2023 and July 2024, including pre-season friendlies.If Rodri is feeling the effects, spare a thought for team-mate Phil Foden, who played 69 competitive games last term and 72 in all.Some will say City are victims of their own success but that success is becoming a punishment for the players.And it’s only going to get worse. It’s expected with Prem games, domestic cup competitions, Europe, internationals and the Club World Cup, City’s players could play up to 85 times this season.No wonder the players are concerned about their own well-being. No one else seems to be giving it a thought.Players need to be heardWhilst the men in suits and white trainers sit in Switzerland and extend the football calendar, no one even bothered to seek the opinion of the players.Liverpool No 1 Alisson said: “Nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games, so maybe our opinion doesn’t matter.”That’s woeful, as it should matter the most.As the PFA pointed out: “Players and their unions have asked to be listened to. “When they are ignored, the natural consequence is that players will begin to consider all options.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Players are repeatedly saying  enough is enough and this must  act as a serious wake-up call to  authorities.”I don’t expect a strike but it is reasonable for the men in shorts to ask the men in suits to listen to them. More

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      Borussia Dortmund star’s Wag deletes Instagram post after fans spot she was watching WRONG match

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND ace Yan Couto’s girlfriend was left with egg on her face after an embarrassing gaffe on social media.Couto, 22, played for Dortmund on Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium.Yan Couto’s girlfriend Mariana David had to delete a post from her Instagram storyCredit: Instagram @yan.coutoMariana shared a screenshot from a video game rather than Borussia Dortmund’s win over Club BruggeCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto’s partner Mariana is a dentist, model and content creatorCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto plays for Dortmund on loan from Manchester CityCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidThe right-back’s partner Mariana David didn’t follow him to Belgium and instead sent a message of support.Mariana posted a screenshot that appeared to be from the game on Instagram claiming to be watching her other half in action from afar.She added the following caption: “Even from afar, I’m always keeping my fingers crossed for you.”Couto replied to the model’s story after full-time with a post of his own that read: “I love you.”Read More on FootballHowever, things quickly became awkward for the content creator, who had to delete her story so that it was no longer visible for her 107,000 followers.That is because fans noticed that the snapshot was actually taken from a video game rather than the real match.A YouTuber replayed the game from his console and Mariana had been fooled into reposting it as the actual fixture.Couto’s partner is active on social media and her bio says she is also a dentist.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMariana is also a model, who finished inside the top 10 at the Miss Grand Brazil beauty pageant back in 2020.Couto joined Dortmund on loan from Manchester City this summer following last year’s stint at Girona.Man City vs Arsenal WagsThe full-back came on three minutes before full-time at Brugge and helped BVB win 3-0 in their first Champions League match after last season’s final.Mariana supports Couto during his football matchesCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidMariana has also taken part in beauty pageants in BrazilCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto spent last season on loan with Girona and Mariana supported himCredit: Instagram @mariianadavidCouto responded to Mariana’s awkward post on social mediaCredit: Instagram @mariianadavid More

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      Chelsea Champions League winner, 39, comes out of retirement to join second tier club… as player AND director

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      CHELSEA Champions League winner Salomon Kalou is set to play for a second-division club in the IVORY COAST.Winger Kalou spent six years at Stamford Bridge, scoring 60 goals in 254 games.Chelsea hero Salomon Kalou has come out of retirement for a surprise clubCredit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea hero Kalou is set to play for a second-division club in the Ivory CoastHe played in the Blues’ 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.A £9million buy from Feyenoord in 2006, Kalou also won the 2010 Premier League title, four FA Cups and a League Cup with the west Londoners.The 93-cap Ivory Coast international went on to play for Lille, Hertha Berlin and Brazilian club Botafogo.He made a surprise move to Djibouti club Arta Solar 7 two years ago, where he lined up alongside ex-Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.Read More on FootballArta’s Ivorian chairman Tommy Tayoro Nyckoss took charge of home-country club SC Gagnoa earlier this month.And the businessman convinced Kalou, 39, to join as both a director and a player. Gagnoa paraded him at a ceremony earlier this week.The southern club was relegated from the Ivory Coast’s Ligue 1 last season.They are based 40 miles from the Chelsea hero’s birthplace Oume, north-west of the African country’s capital Abidjan.Most read in FootballKalou said: “I am going to get a player’s licence, so that I can be part of coach Bernard Casoni’s squad.”And maybe if SC Gagnoa play against ASEC Mimosas or Africa Sports in the Ivorian Cup, I will take part in the game.”Chelsea boss Maresca aims cheeky dig at Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho makes dazzling debut after Man Utd transferKalou began his career with ASEC before landing his move to Feyenoord in 2003. More

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      Alan Shearer snubs Rice, Havertz and Raya and picks just four Arsenal players in combined XI with Man City

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      ALAN SHEARER picked only four Arsenal stars in his combined XI with Manchester City.City host the Gunners in what poses as a battle for the Premier League summit that could determine the eventual title winner this Sunday at the Etihad.Alan Shearer picked his combined XI ahead of Manchester City’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it seems like Shearer, 54, believes that the Citizens hold an advantage in terms of star quality as he picked seven of Pep Guardiola’s aces in his combined line-up.The Newcastle legend opted for Ederson over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya between the sticks – despite his midweek double-save heroics.Kyle Walker made it at right-back with the Gunners’ comeback hero Jurrien Timber on the other side, while his team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partner up at centre-back.The BBC pundit then went for a full City midfield with Rodri teaming up with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the Gunners’ superstar Declan Rice was left out.Read More on FootballArsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a spot in the right wing up front with Phil Foden on the other side and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.Kai Havertz was omitted despite a bright start to the campaign with two goals and one assist in four Premier League matches.Many expect an entertaining encounter between the two biggest favourites to lift the Premier League trophy in May.However, Shearer has a different opinion as he expects Arsenal and City to draw in the weekend.Most read in FootballShearer left Arsenal stars Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya out of his Combined XIAnd the Premier League’s record goalscorer is adamant that wouldn’t be a bad result after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest last week.Shearer told Betfair: “I am going for a draw in this one.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City”It’s a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn’t a bad result, even though Man City are at home.”Liverpool have dropped points already, Arsenal have dropped two points already at home to Brighton, but I don’t think a draw would be a disaster for either team.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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