On the eve of Arsenal’s Puma kit launch, it marks the end of a 20 year partnership with Nike. Most will have seen the new Arsenal Puma kit, both home and away (and possibly third), as social media has made it almost impossible to do anything in secrecy. Nike certainly split opinion with some of their offerings but in general most would probably agree they did a good job. To commemorate the partnership and Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph, Nike have designed a special one off shirt which takes a look back at several shirt designs and can be seen above.
"Nike has enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Arsenal Football Club. As the Arsenal team became more iconic, their kit designs followed suit. The kits which Nike has produced for the club over the last 20 years tell a story; a timeline of success which will be remembered for a long time to come." - Marc van Pappelendam, VP/GM of Nike UK & Ireland
Every fan will have their favourite shirt design (probably more than one where trying to split them apart becomes akin to comparing children) and here’s a look at some Arsenal kits designed by Nike that may live in the memory longer than others.
1998
Arsene Wenger's first full season as Arsenal manager and with it the double. The image of Marc Overmars scoring at Old Trafford will live long in the memory of Arsenal supporters and this away jersey will remain part of that history.
2002
Arsenal again did the double under Arsene Wenger in 2002 and Arsenal wore a nice simple home shirt design from Nike.
2004
The year of the Invincibles and the last year Dreamcast would be used as sponsor.
2005
The last season at Highbury. Nike created a cranberry kit to reflect Arsenal's history.
2014
The last kits to be made by Nike and Arsenal ending the trophy drought. Nike certainly delievered one of the best with this away jersey. Some fans consider this the nicest away jersey Nike created for Arsenal.