By Mark Baber
March 14 – AS Roma have signed a 10-year kit supply deal with Nike as part of its plans to return it to the top tiers of European and world fotball.
Roma, which is under the control of a consortium of US investors, said Nike will produce all its playing and training kit from 2014-15. The deal follows a dispute with Kappa which means the Romans may play in an unbranded kit next season.
The ambitious nature of the club from the eternal city is revealed in Roma CEO, Italo Zanzi’s statement that, “AS Roma is committed to becoming the premier football club in the world, on and off the field. This partnership is a fundamental step in that mission. Nike’s dedication to football excellence and global brand building is aligned perfectly with our objectives. We are extremely excited about our future together.”
Bert Hoyt, VP GM of Nike Western Europe said: “We’re proud to partner with AS Roma, a club with great heritage. It’s a club that embodies strong characteristics, is recognized across the world and represents one of Europe’s greatest cities. We look forward to developing a successful long-term partnership with them.”
Last month a preliminary deal was struck with Sheikh Adnan Adel Aref al Qaddumi who was given until today to come up with the money for a stake in the club.
Nike, the world’s largest sportswear company, already supplies kits to Roma rivals Internazionale and Juventus.
Manchester United has also announced that is has just entered renewal negotiations of its contract with Nike.
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