The Home, Away and Cup kits were revealed through a spectacular 20m high water projection on the River Thames viewed from the North Bank, transforming the EDF Energy London Eye into the iconic Clock End. Fans saw Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger tell the individual Future, Forever, Victorious inspirations behind the kit designs, which are the basis of the Stronger Together partnership message, brought to life through some dazzling action featuring The Gunners’ first team players.
Arsenal supporters waiting to buy the shirt outside PUMA’s flagship Carnaby Street store in London were stunned to see the kit being revealed in person by Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Flamini in the shop window, as a curtain dropped to reveal a huge Arsenal façade. Inside the store, fans were also able to have their picture taken with the Gunners’ latest silverware, the FA Cup.
Each of the three kits has a unique design, inspired by the values identified by PUMA as being the foundation of Arsenal Football Club that form the basis of the Future, Forever, Victorious story.
The blue and lime green Future Cup kit will be worn by Arsenal away from home in Cup competitions, including the UEFA Champions LeagueTM and FA Cup. It symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history, resulting in Arsenal becoming the first team to wear numbers on shirts and the first club to have stadium flood lights so the team could play at night. It also acknowledges the focus on youth development that has become synonymous with the club.
The home kit stays true to the traditional red and white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. It represents Forever, inspired by the strong and loyal fan base Arsenal has built over the years, and the importance of this community to the Gunners. From the very beginning, Arsenal supporters have been at the heart of the club, a sentiment that stands true today as Arsenal’s appeal continues to spread across every corner of the world.
Victorious is the theme of the Away shirt, designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours worn by Arsenal during some of the most famous Gunners victories away from home. Arsenal’s players and supporters have always demonstrated a class and excellence away from home, the yellow and blue colours are inextricably linked with some of the Gunners’ greatest moments including the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup Final wins, and the title winning victory at Anfield in 1989.
Arsenal star Mikel Arteta said, “The new kits have really impressed the players, especially because of the story behind them, which is something felt by everyone at this club. Arsenal is special, and the creation of these kits is a wonderful way to acknowledge that. PUMA has done an excellent job with the design. It's a great start to this new season and we are hungry to progress and bring more silverware to Arsenal and our fans.”
Arteta added, “Watching the reaction of the fans as we stood in the store window was unbelievable. They were all really excited to see the new kits. It made it hard for us to stand still. It’s a brilliant day, and really builds excitement for the season ahead.”
Björn Gulden, Chief Executive Officer at PUMA said, “This evening was a momentous occasion for PUMA, and one we have looked forward to for some time. Many people here have been working hard towards this moment and I’m sure Arsenal fans around the world will be excited by the kit designs, as well as the training and fanwear collections. It is a privilege working with Arsenal, not just because of the stature of the club but also the integrity of its people. I am absolutely sure this is the start of a long and prosperous relationship for both PUMA and Arsenal.”
Arsène Wenger, Manager of Arsenal FC added, “This is a big day for Arsenal. It is the start of our new partnership with PUMA and everyone here is extremely happy with how things are developing. We like the performance innovations PUMA is creating for our playing and training kits and have real confidence in the support they will give us as our technical partner. Today is a landmark in our club’s history as we look ahead to the upcoming season.”
The Home and Away Replica kits and a full collection of fan wear are available for fans to purchase now online at www.puma.com and in many stores worldwide, including ArsenalDirect.com. The Cup kit will launch in-store and online on the 14 August.